Voglibose May Help Prevent Diabetes in High-Risk People

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Voglibose for prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind trial in Japanese individuals with impaired glucose tolerance by Ryuzo Kawamori and colleagues. The Lancet 1373:1607–1614, 2009

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

People who have blood glucose levels higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes are said to have pre-diabetes. Diabetes can be prevented in pre-diabetic patients through lifestyle changes such as attention to diet and increased exercise. Some studies have found various diabetes medicines helpful for those who remain at high risk of developing diabetes despite diet and exercise measures. As in many other parts of the world, diabetes is on the rise in Asian countries. To date, however, there have been few studies of drug therapies to prevent diabetes in Asian populations.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to find out if treatment with voglibose, a type of diabetes drug that slows the digestion of carbohydrate foods (starches and sweets), could prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in high-risk Japanese people.

Who was studied?

The study included 1,780 Japanese adults who ate a standard diet and got regular exercise but who also had problems processing glucose, a sign of pre-diabetes.

How was the study done?

The patients were given voglibose or a placebo (dummy) pill until they either developed diabetes or maintained normal blood glucose levels or for at least 3 years.

What did the researchers find?

Patients treated with voglibose were less likely to progress to diabetes and more likely to achieve normal glucose levels than those receiving the placebo pill. Because the results were achieved so quickly, the study ended early.

What were the limitations of the study?

Because the study ended early, the average length of treatment with voglibose was only 1 year. Therefore, the study could not determine whether the beneficial effect of voglibose would be long-lasting. Also, because the study was conducted in Japanese patients, the results may not fully apply to people of other racial or ethnic backgrounds.

What are the implications of the study?

Voglibose, added to a healthy diet and exercise, can help prevent diabetes in high-risk Japanese patients.

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