Comparing the effects of Fluoxetine and Alprazolam on blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes

¯Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder causing micro- and macrovascular complications which could be prevented by good glycemic control. Considering many patients who become resistant to routine anti-diabetic drugs after few years, the administration of other drugs to reduce the level of glucose is an essential approach for a better glycemic control. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of fluoxetine and alprazolam added to regular anti-diabetic drugs on blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this paralleled clinical trial, 66 uncontrolled type 2 diabetic patients referred to Yazd Diabetes Research Center were selected and received randomly either 20mg of fluoxetine or 0.5mg of alprazolam for 6 weeks. Mean FBS (fasting blood sugar), 2hpp (2 hours post-prandial glucose), HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) and BMI (Body Mass Index) were measured before and after the study. Data were analyzed by t-test and paired t-test. Findings: The mean FBS, 2hpp, HbA1c and BMI were decreased after using fluoxetine by 27.5±7.5mg/dl, 47.5±10.5, 1.5±0.5% and 2.2±0.8kg/m2, respectively (P=0.001). Also the mean FBS, 2hpp and HbA1c were decreased by 13.7±13.5mg/dl, 22.5±5.6mg/dl and 0.5±0.3% following the administration of alprazolam (P=0.001). Similarly,, the mean BMI was increased by 0.3±1.5 kg/m2 this difference was found to be statistically insignificant (P=0.35). Conclusion: Both fluoxetine and alprazolam were useful for better control of blood glucose in diabetics who were free of diabetic complications nevertheless, it seems that fluoxetine is more effective than alprazolam