Effects of rioprostil on the postprandial glucose, GIP, insulin and gastrin levels in volunteers.

The study is of double-blind crossover design. In the first part of the study, rioprostil (300 micrograms and 600 micrograms) is given orally with a solid breakfast to 9 healthy male volunteers. Both doses of rioprostil delay and reduce the 3-h postprandial GIP release. They also reduce the maximal postprandial insulin concentration, but only rioprostil (600 micrograms) reduces the 3-h integrated release of insulin significantly (by approximately 20%). Neither dose modifies the postprandial glucose gastrin levels significantly. In another study two groups of 6 volunteers are studied in parallel; they are given either rioprostil (600 micrograms) or a placebo each evening for 14 days. On the mornings before and on days 13 and 14 of the study the volunteers take a solid breakfast and blood glucose is measured 1 h and 2 h postprandially. The results show that no differences in the basal and postprandial glucose levels are observed. In conclusion, rioprostil given with a meal can reduce the insulin release but it does not change the postprandial blood glucose levels when given as a single dose or repeatedly in an evening dose. This study shows that rioprostil can be given to patients with diabetes.