Acomplia Good for Diabetes

Research published in the Lancet shows that Acomplia, an obesity pill may also help to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. The drug has been approved for use in Europe but not yet in the US. According to the World Health Organization, in 2006 at least 171 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. Its incidence is increasing rapidly, and will likely double by the year 2030. Type 2 diabetes, also referred to as adult-onset diabetes, is a metabolic disorder that is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, relative insulin deficiency and high blood sugars. It is presently incurable. The research was done in more than 1000 overweight or obese patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes despite taking one of two oral medications that are commonly used to treat diabetes. Patients were asked to follow a low calorie diet, exercise regularly and were administered one of three medication regimes, 5 mg/day of Acomplia , 20 mg/day of the drug or placebo, for 1 year. After the one-year period, those taking Acomplia had a significant decrease in waist circumference, appetite control, blood glucose control and cholesterol levels. The average patient who took Acomplia lost nearly 5 pounds on the 5 mg/day dose and over 10 pounds on the 20 mg/day dose. The placebo group had an average weight loss of only 3 pounds. The study revealed that 20mg/day of Acomplia significantly reduced body weight, improving blood glucose and cardiovascular risks associated with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. However, adverse effects such as depression, nausea, and dizziness were of concern. The study shows diabetics who take Acomplia may not only lose weight, but may achieve better control of their blood sugars.