Publication:

Effects of sildenafil on lipid profile and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome

Background Insulin resistance impairs nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability; obesity promotes a state of metabolic syndrome and damages the vascular endothelium by altering lipid profile. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors restore NO signaling may improve metabolic parameters through a number of mechanisms. We hypothesized that daily administration of the PDE-5 inhibitor; sildenafil will improve fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG) levels and body weight, in obese diabetic patients.

Methods Totally, 25 obese diabetic male patients with metabolic syndrome treated with sildenafil 25 mg daily for 3 months. Body weight, FPG levels, and lipid profile were determined monthly.

Results Treatment with sildenafil caused a reduction in fasting glucose levels, fasting TGs, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-LDL and increased high-density lipoprotein; body weight was significantly reduced.

Conclusion We have provided the first evidence that sildenafil therapy improve glycemic control, lipid profile and body mass index in diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome.