Effect of doxazosin therapy on glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism in hypertensive patients with impaired glucose tolerance

The effects of long-term monotherapy with doxazosin, an alpha(1)-blocker, or placebo on blood pressure (BP), glucose tolerance, and serum lipid levels were investigated prospectively in 43 hypertensive patients with impaired glucose tolerance. The levels of plasma glucose, serum lipids, fructosamine, and glycated hemoglobin A(1c) (Hb A(1c)) were determined before and during long-term (mean treatment period, 6.7 months) therapy with doxazosin (n = 23) or placebo (n = 20). A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was performed before and during therapy. Significant decreases in both systolic and diastolic BP were maintained during doxazosin therapy; BP did not change in the placebo group. Neither fasting nor post-glucose-load venous plasma glucose levels were altered, and there was no significant change in the insulinogenic index in either group. Glucose intolerance was slightly improved with significant reductions in Hb Al, and fructosamine levels during doxazosin therapy. Serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were significantly decreased, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly increased in patients treated with doxazosin. Moreover, TC, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B levels were significantly decreased in patients with hypercholesterolemia (TC greater than or equal to 5.69 mmol/L). In contrast, there were no significant changes in Hb A(1c), fructosamine, and lipid levels in the placebo group. These results suggest that long-term doxazosin therapy may improve glucose and lipid metabolism in hypertensive patients. Doxazosin appears useful as an antihypertensive agent for hypertensive patients with either impaired glucose metabolism or dyslipidemia.