Fenofibrate Has Beneficial Effects on Lipid Profile But Has No Effect on Glucose Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Hyperlipidemia: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-ControlledTrial

Hypolipidemic agent fenofibrate has recentlybeen demonstrated to improvecarbohydrate metabolism in animaland cell models. The purpose of thisstudy was to determine its clinical effects on glycemiccontrol and the relationship with itshypolipidemic action in type 2 diabetic patientswith hyperlipidemia.Materials and Methods: Forty-eight type 2 diabeticpatients with hyperlipidemia were recruitedfrom the Endocrine Division s outpatientclinic of a tertiary-care university-affiliated centreand randomly assigned micronised fenofibrate200mg daily or placebo in a doubleblinded,placebo-controlled study for threemonths. A total of 44 patients completed thestudy. Main outcome measured were changesfrom the baseline in fasting and postprandiallipid and glycemic variables.Results: Treatment with micronised fenofibrateresulted in a significant decrease in fasting (3.81± 1.86 to 1.90 ± 0.77 mmol/L, p 0.0001) and postprandialtriglyceride (5.36±2.640 to 2.30±l.33mmolfL, p 0.0001), total cholesterol (6.18±1.17 to5.23±0.97 mmolfL, p O.OOOl) and non-HDL cholesterol(5.09±1.12 to 3.96±1.11 mmolfL, p O.OOOl).After treatment the placebo group showed nosignificant changes in serum lipid levels. Bothgroups did not alter in fasting and postprandialplasma glucose, mean HbAlc, fasting insulin,QUICKI index and proinsulin-to-insulin ratio.Conclusion: Micronised fenofibrate significantlyimproved both fasting and postprandial lipidprofiles, but did not affect glycemic variables,insulin resistance, and 13 cell function in patientswith type 2 diabetes.