EFFECTS OF VANADYL SULFATE ON CARBOHYDRATE AND LIPID-METABOLISM IN PATIENTS WITH NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS

The safety and efficacy of vanadyl sulfate (VS) was tested in a single blind, placebo-controlled study. Eight patients (four men and four wo men) with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) received VS (50 mg twice daily orally) for 4 weeks. Six of these patients (four me n and two women) continued in the study and were given a placebo for a n additional 4 weeks. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps were performe d before and after the VS and placebo phases. VS was associated with g astrointestinal side effects in six of eight patients during the first week, but was well tolerated after that. VS administration was associ ated with a 20% decrease in fasting glucose concentration (from 9.3 +/ - 1.8 to 7.4 +/- 1.4 mmol/L, P < .05) and a decrease in hepatic glucos e output (HGO) during hyperinsulinemia (from 5.0 +/- 1.0 pre-VS to 3.1 +/- 0.9 mu mol/kg . min post-VS, P < .02). The improvement in fasting plasma glucose and HGO that occurred during VS treatment was maintain ed during the placebo phase. VS had no significant effects on rates of total-body glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, glycolysis, carbohydra te (CHO) oxidation, or lipolysis during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic cl amps. We conclude that VS at the dose used was well tolerated and resu lted in modest reductions of fasting plasma glucose and hepatic insuli n resistance. However, the safety of larger doses and use of vanadium salts for longer periods remains uncertain. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company