Effects of Colesevelam on LDL-C, A1c and GLP-1 Levels in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: a Pilot Randomized Double-blind Trial

Aim: colesevelam is indicated to lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in hyperlipidaemia and improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. This short-term pilot study evaluates its effects in type 1 diabetes.

Methods: this double-blind, randomized, investigator-initiated, single-centred, 12-week pilot study evaluated 40 adults (age = 36.4 ± 9.4 years) with type 1 diabetes (duration = 20.4 ± 8.5 years) and hyperlipidaemia. It was powered to show a treatment difference of >10% LDL-C reduction. Subjects received 3.75 g/day colesevelam (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) for 12 weeks. LDL-C and haemoglobin A1c (A1c) levels were assessed at screening (week 2), baseline (week 0) and every 4 weeks throughout the treatment duration. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) levels were measured during 4-h meal (Boost Plus, Nestle HealthCare Nutrition Inc., Florham Park, New Jersey, USA) challenge tests (MCT) at baseline and 12 weeks.

Results: colesevelam treatment resulted in a significant reduction in LDL-C values at 4 weeks [-12.1% (95% CI: -20.1 to -4.1), p = 0.004] which was sustained for the study duration (p = 0.005 at 12 weeks). The treatment group also showed a significant change in A1c from baseline at week 4; however, this was not significant for the study duration. There was a significant median increase in GLP-1 levels during the first 2 h of the baseline MCT in the treated group but no difference at 12 weeks.

Conclusions: during this short-term pilot study, colesevelam treatment effectively lowered LDL-C in patients with type 1 diabetes. Improvements in A1c seen at week 4 were not sustained. Effects on glycaemic control in subjects with type 1 diabetes may be related to a postprandial rise in GLP-1 levels and require further clinical study.