Effect of bepridil on metabolic control and insulin secretion in diabetics.

In a double-blind cross-over study bepridil 900 mg followed by 300 mg daily for 11 days was given to 37 insulin (Type I) or non-insulin (Type II)-dependent diabetic patients. It did not modify the metabolic control of the patients as levels of glucose in blood and urine, doses of insulin and oral hypoglycaemic drugs, energy intake, and the number of hypoglycaemic attacks during therapy were unchanged. The serum concentration of C-peptide was not modified in either type of diabetic patient, and serum insulin in the Type I but not in the Type II patients was slightly higher during active drug treatment. No adverse organotoxic or arrhythmogenic effects or changes in possible atherogenic lipid fractions in serum could be demonstrated during bepridil therapy.