Lipoproteins and diuretics in type II diabetes

This double-blind cross-over study was performed to investigate whether the lipoproteins in plasma were different on furosemide (Lasix Retard) and thiazide (hydrochlorthiazide) treatment in patients suffering from type II diabetes. Twenty-four patients were randomly allocated to either furosemide-hydrochlorthiazide (LR-HCT) or HCT-LR treatment. The treatment period was 12 months: 6 months on each sequence. After inclusion, the patients were seen every second month. Laboratory data were recorded at each visit. The only significant treatment effect was observed for high-density-lipoprotein₃ cholesterol concentration (HDL₃ cholesterol concentration), which was higher when patients were on furosemide therapy (p < 0.05). We conclude from the present study that blood-glucose HbA_1c, and the concentration of lipoproteins connected to development of atherosclerosis is unaffected whether type II diabetes patients are treated with HCT or furosemide.