The effects of orlistat in patients with diabetes: improvement in glycaemic control and weight loss.

ABSTRACTObjective: In addition to direct weight reduction, there may be other benefits of obesity treatment including improved insulin sensitivity. The purpose of this study was to characterise concomitant diabetes drug use and the related costs in patients with diabetes treated with orlistat (Xenical) in the first 6 months of treatment. * Xenical is a trade name of Roche Pharmaceuticals, Basle, SwitzerlandMethods: One hundred overweight patients with diabetes and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28 kg/m2 were enrolled in a structured UK hospital-based weight management clinic and treated with orlistat plus behavioural interventions. Among other measures, weight, glucose control (HbA1c) and drug treatments were recorded. Subjects were followed-up for a maximum of 24 months at intervals of 1–3 months, with a maximum treatment period of 24 months.Results: The majority of subjects (91%) had type 2 diabetes. They had a mean age of 55 years and 55% were women. For patients followed up at 6 months, their mean BMI at b...