Effects of ezetimibe on atherogenic lipoproteins and glucose metabolism in patients with diabetes and glucose intolerance

AimTo evaluate the effects of ezetimibe on atherogenic lipoproteins and glucose metabolism in patients with diabetes and glucose intolerance.MethodsSeventy-six patients with diabetes and glucose intolerance were enrolled in this study. At baseline and 12 weeks after treatment with ezetimibe 10 mg/day, we measured the levels of lipid and glucose parameters.ResultsEzetimibe reduced the mean levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (−20%, P < 0.001), remnant-like particle cholesterol (−22%, P < 0.001), small dense-LDL (−19%, P < 0.001), apolipoprotein B-48 (−2%, P < 0.01), malondialdehyde modified-LDL (−15%, P < 0.001), and serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI) (−4%, P < 0.01). In the insulin resistance subgroup, ezetimibe reduced the abdominal circumference (−1%, P < 0.05) and mean levels of fasting plasma glucose (−7%, P < 0.05), IRI (−36%, P < 0.01), s-CPR (−27%, P < 0.01), HOMA-IR (−39%, P < 0.01) and HbA1c tended to decrease (−2%, P = 0.06).ConclusionsEzetimibe reduced atherogenic lipoproteins in patients with diabetes and glucose intolerance; besides, it improved glucose metabolism in patients with insulin resistance.