Glycoregulation is not Altered by Short-Term Administration of Diltiazem in Nondiabetic Humans

Summary

In this study changes in glucose assimilation during an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was investigated in 12 clinically healthy normotensive women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² (range 22—31). This was assessed by coefficient Kg, the level of glycosylated proteins and insulin, C-peptide and contraregulating hormone secretion after seven days of oral administration of diltiazem, a calcium current blocker (180 mg per day).

In spite of the fact that diltiazem protracted electrocardiographic QT interval from 0.16 ±0.008 to 0.18 ±0.009 s. (p<0.01), QaT from 0.29 ± 0.007 to 0.31 ± 0.008 s. (p<0.05), QeT from 0.35 ± 0.009 to 0.37 ± 0.009 s. (p < 0.01), it did not affect Kg in any significant way, nor did it affect the glycosylated protein levels, insulin and C-peptide secretion, nor the secretion of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, cortisol and growth hormone.

Thus although diltiazem is a highly effective drug as far as the cardiovascular system is concerned, short-term administration of therapeutic doses of 180mg/day is not associated with glycoregulatory risks.

Key words

Diltiazem - Glycoregulation - Insulin secretion