Control of blood glucose levels and development of diabetic microangiopathy: effect of glibornuride.

Genetically selected, sucrose-fed Cohen diabetic rats, aged 2 1/2 mo, were treated intragastrically with glibornuride, twice daily for 7 1/2 mo. The dose of 6 to 12.5 mg was adjusted according to the blood glucose level. Diabetic siblings with a similar metabolic derangement were used as a control group. Glibornuride treatment resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and an elevation in plasma insulin. A decreased incidence of diffuse glomerulosclerosis was noted in the treated group, in comparison with the control group (34.0 vs. 61.8%, P less than 0.02). The incidence of retinal lesions was also lower in the glibornuride-treated group (16.7 vs. 48.0%, P less than 0.02). Animals with diffuse glomerulosclerosis had significantly higher blood glucose and cholesterol levels and lower plasma insulin than did animals with normal kidneys.