Gemfibrozil improves insulin sensitivity and flow-mediated vasodilatation in type 2 diabetic patients

Background Endothelial dysfunction is an early feature of atherosclerosis. The relationship between insulin action and hypertriglyceridaemia on endothelial function is still debated. Materials and Methods This study was designed to determine the effect of a 3 month treatment with Gemfibrozil (GF) on flow-mediated vasodilatation and insulin sensitivity. Ten type 2 diabetic patients were randomised in crossover, double blind fashion, either to GF, 600 mg b.i.d. or placebo, for 12 weeks. Lipid profile, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) distribution and flotation properties, insulin action and flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) by brachial artery ultrasound, were assessed. Results GF decreased serum triglyceride (TG) concentration with an absolute difference of 1·79 ± 1·28 mmol L−1 (P