Common features in pathogenetic mechanisms of ischemic heart disease and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Prevention, treatment

Data are presented evidencing common features of serum lipid changes in patients with ischemic heart disease and non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus had basal hyperinsulinemia while patients with ischemic heart disease developed hyperinsulinemia after glucose load. The latter could be considered a consequence of insulin resistance. Effects of sulphonyluread, biguanides and combinations of these drugs on levels of serum lipids and insulin were studied. Treatment with biguanides normalised lipid spectrum and abolished hyperinsulinemia. It was suggested that wider use of biguanides in therapy of patients with not only non-insulin-dependent diabetes but also with ischemic heart disease would promote revention of development and progression of atherosclerosis.