Does treatment with duloxetine for neuropathic pain impact glycemic control?

OBJECTIVE We examined changes in metabolic parameters in clinical trials of duloxetine for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data were pooled from three similarly designed clinical trials. Adults with diabetes and DPNP (n = 1,024) were randomized to 60 mg duloxetine q.d., 60 mg b.i.d., or placebo for 12 weeks. Subjects (n = 867) were re-randomized to 60 mg duloxetine b.i.d. or routine care for an additional 52 weeks. Mean changes in plasma glucose, lipids, and weight were evaluated. Regression and subgroup analyses were used to identify relationships between metabolic measures and demographic, clinical, and electrophysiological parameters. RESULTS Duloxetine treatment resulted in modest increases in fasting plasma glucose in short- and long-term studies (0.50 and 0.67 mmol/l, respectively). A1C did not increase in placebo-controlled studies; however, a greater increase was seen relative to routine care in long-term studies (0.52 vs. 0.19%). Short-term duloxetine treatment resulted in mean weight loss (-1.03 kg; P < 0.001 vs. placebo), whereas slight, nonsignificant weight gain was seen in both duloxetine and routine care groups with longer treatment. Between-group differences were seen for some lipid parameters, but these changes were generally small. Metabolic changes did not appear to impact improvement in pain severity seen with duloxetine, and nerve conduction was also not significantly impacted by treatment. CONCLUSIONS Duloxetine treatment was associated with modest changes in glycemia in patients with DPNP. Other metabolic changes were limited and of uncertain significance. These changes did not impact the significant improvement in pain observed with duloxetine treatment.