In a nutshell
This study examined the effects of luseogliflozin on blood glucose levels over a 24-hour period.
Some background
Luseogliflozin (Lusefi) is new treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D) that prevents glucose (sugar) from being reabsorbed back into the blood from the urine and, therefore, reduces blood glucose levels. Luseogliflozin can reduce the HbA1c (average blood glucose levels over 3 months) and can also result in a reduction in body weight. However, it is unknown what effect luseogliflozin has on variation in blood glucose levels over a 24-hour period.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine the effect of luseogliflozin on 24-hour blood glucose levels in T2D patients.
This study involved 37 T2D patients. Diabetes was not well controlled with diet and exercise in all participants.
Participants were divided into two groups. One group received 2.5 mg luseogliflozin once daily for 7 days followed by 7 days of a placebo (substance with no therapeutic effect). The other group received a placebo for 7 days, followed by 7 days of 2.5 mg luseogliflozin. There was a 7 day period between the luseogliflozin treatment and placebo.
Blood glucose levels were measured in real-time using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A CGM gives a greater indication of how blood glucose levels vary over a certain time period.
The average blood glucose levels over 24 hours was lower when participants were treated with luseogliflozin (145.9 mg/dl) compared to the placebo (168.5 mg/dl). Blood glucose levels were in the target range (70-180 mg/dl) more often with luseogliflozin treatment (average of 83.2% of the time) compared to placebo (average of 71.9% of the time). Luseogliflozin did not increase the occurrence of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood glucose levels).
Participants who experienced a decrease in blood glucose levels with luseogliflozin also had a reduction in blood insulin (hormone which reduces blood glucose) levels throughout the day.
The bottom line
This study concluded that luseogliflozin can improve 24-hour control of blood glucose levels and can reduce insulin blood levels in T2D patients.
The fine print
A small sample size of 37 participants was included. This study received funding from Taisho Pharmaceutical, the company who developed luseogliflozin.
Luseogliflozin is not yet FDA approved for use in the United States.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician regarding the risks and benefits of luseogliflozin.
Published By :
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Date :
Apr 30, 2015
