Sildenafil citrate diminishes microalbuminuria and the percentage of A1c in male patients with type 2 diabetes

Sildenafil citrate has shown to display beneficial cardiovascular effects, suggesting that it may have other systemic benefits involving the endothelium. There is little data regarding the long-term use of this drug and the effects of this on different organs.ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to determine whether sildenafil citrate diminishes concentrations of microalbuminuria and percentage of A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes.DesignA double-blind, randomized, controlled trial in 40 male patients, age 35–50, with type 2 diabetes. Subjects received sildenafil citrate 50 mg daily (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) for 30 days. Levels of hs-CRP, microalbuminuria, homocysteine, A1c and erectile function were measured at baseline and to the end of the study.ResultsMen that received sildenafil citrate displayed a significant decrease in the microalbuminuria concentrations (p < 0.01) versus baseline, (p = 0.02) versus placebo and A1c (p < 0.01) versus baseline, (p = 0.01) versus placebo. In addition, we observed a significant increase in the total IIEF score after 30 days of treatment (p < 0.01) versus baseline, (p < 0.01) versus placebo.ConclusionsThe administration of 50 mg of sildenafil citrate for 30 consecutive days diminishes microalbuminuria and the percentage of A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes.