A STUDY OF FLUOXETINE IN OBESE ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH TYPE-2 DIABETES

In order to establish the safety and efficacy of fluoxetine in subject s over 60 years of age with Type 2 diabetes, a randomized, double-blin d, parallel study of 30 obese subjects was undertaken, comparing the u se of fluoxetine 60 mg daily with placebo. Subjects were diet controll ed with an HbA(1)<14% (reference range 6-9%) and BMI>29 kg m(2). Those taking fluoxetine had a median weight loss of 2.6 kg at 3 months (p<0 .001) and 3.9 kg at 6 months (p<0.02), compared with weight loss in th e placebo group of 0.1 kg and 0.0 kg at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Improved glycaemic control was also demonstrated in the fluoxetine gro up compared with placebo, initial HbA(1) levels of 8.0% vs 8.7% (NS) f alling at 4 months by 0.9% (p<0.02) and at six months by 0.9% (p<0.02) . No sustained improvement in fasting blood glucose levels was demonst rated. Reporting of adverse events was similar in both groups. Fluoxet ine in the short term aids weight loss and improves glycaemic control without a significant increase in adverse events in elderly Type 2 dia betic subjects.