GLYCOREGULATION IS NOT ALTERED BY SHORT-TERM ADMINISTRATION OF DILTIAZEM IN NONDIABETIC HUMANS

In this study changes in glucose assimilation during an intravenous gl ucose 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 p roteins and insulin, C-peptide and contraregulating hormone secretion after seven days of oral administration of diltiazem, a calcium curren t blocker (180 mg per day). In spite of the fact that diltiazem protra cted 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 di d not affect Kg in any significant way, nor did it affect the glycosyl ated protein levels, insulin and C-peptide secretion, nor the secretio n of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, cortisol and growth hormone. Thus although diltiazem is a highly effective drug as far as the card iovascular system is concerned, short-term administration of therapeut ic doses of 180 mg/day is not associated with glycoregulatory risks.