Carvedilol can Replace Insulin in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: A large number of patients with diabetes mellitus do not want to take insulin or any injectable medication. Carvedilol can replace insulin in the treatment of T2 diabetes mellitus. Carvedilol alone or with oral anti-diabetic drugs (OAD) can replace the entire dose of insulin for patients with T2 diabetes (T2D). Carvedilol can replace insulin in patients on OAD who need insulin. Glycemic control was achieved in patients with T2D. This study was based on the hypothesis that carvedilol decreases insulin resistance, eliminates glucotoxicity and lipotoxicty and improves the function of beta-cell while reducing their apotosis. Method: In this study, 48 patients with T2D were treated with carvedilol, which was an “off-label” use of carvedilol, for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Twenty-nine patients with T2D were on OAD, and nineteen patients were taking insulin. Both groups had high HbA1c. Carvedilol was given with or without OAD to both groups, and glycemic control was achieved. OAD included metformin and/or glimepiride or glyburide and/or sitagliptin. Results: Glycemic control was achieved using carvedilol with or without OAD in both groups. Conclusion: 1. Carvedilol can reduce insulin resistance. 2. Carvedilol can replace insulin in patients with diabetes mellitus. 3. Carvedilol and metformin can prevent the progression of pre-diabetes to diabetes. 4. Patients who are on a very high dose of insulin can decrease that dose using carvedilol and metformin.