Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate, if treatment with nebivolol, a selective beta-blocker with vasodilating properties through increased nitric oxide (NO) release, has any effect on blood glucose levels in hypertensive patients with diabetes.

9945 patients were included, 1360 (12,7%) of those had diabetes. Blood glucose level and creatinin were measured besides blood pressure (BP) before and after a six weeks treatment with 5 mg nebivolol. The concomitant medication remained unchanged.

The systolic blood pressure was reduced in mean by 28 mmHg (mean BP from 171 to 143 mmHg), the diastolic by 16 mmHg (mean BP from 100 to 84 mmHg). While non diabetic patients had a reduction in their blood glucose level by 2,5 mg%, diabetic showed a fourfold reduction, i.e. 10mg% (p<0,05).

Diabetic and hypertensive patients are known to have endothelial dysfunction. Impaired NO release seems to be partly responsible. The significant reduction of blood glucose levels under nebivolol treatment may partly be explained by improved BP control. A further reason may be a decrease of endothelial dysfunction through increased presence of nitric oxide.

Further studies investigating the nitric oxide influence on glucose levels under nebivolol treatment could shed further light on the described effects. Grant/Research Support: Berlin-Chamie AG Consultant: Dr. Agrawal Major Stock Shareholder: Menarini Group

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