[Investigations of the effect of midodrine on carbohydrate and fat metabolism with particular reference to the diabetic metabolic state (author's transl)].

Midodrine, which is used in the treatment of hypotensive circulatory distrubances was investigated with respect to possible effects on carbohydrate and fat metabolism in 5 healthy subjects and 7 patients with disturbed glocuse tolerance. An i.v. glucose tolerance test was carried out on both groups and was repeated a few days subsequently with simultaneous administration of midodrine (5mg i.v.). Midodrine had no significant effect on glucose tolerance in either group, nor was there any significant effect of midodrine on FFA, serum insulin, triglyceride or cholesterol levels. 15 diabetic patients controlled by different therapeutic regimens (5 by diet only, 5 by oral preparations and 5 by insulin treatment) were given 3x5mg midodrine orally over a 5-day period and the effects on diabetic control and metabolic parameters compared with a 5-day pretreatment period without midodrine. Midodrine did not cause any change in the quality of diabetic control nor any significant alteration in serum lipid or uric acid levels.