Treated cats had significantly lower cholesterol, triglyceride, and leptin concentrations than placebo-treated obese cats. A significant decrease in NEFAs, glucose, and insulin was seen in treated cats, as was a significant decrease in the area under the curve for glucose and insulin during an IV glucose tolerance test in darglitazone-treated cats.
Darglitazone was well tolerated, and response to the drug was similar to that of humans and rodents. Unlike in humans, however, no increase in weight or food intake was observed during treatment, and weight was maintained during the study even though insulin sensitivity and glucose and lipid metabolism improved. The mechanism of action of thiazolidinediones is still controversial, and long-term effects need to be studied.
COMMENTARY: Obesity is a precursor to type 2 diabetes in cats, and investigators are focusing on drugs that may prevent progression of glucose intolerance to overt diabetes mellitus. This study of obese cats showed that compared with placebo-treated controls, obese cats treated with darglitazone, a promising new drug, had significantly lower cholesterol, triglyceride, and leptin concentrations.
Effect of darglitazone on glucose clearance and lipid metabolism in obese cats. Hoenig M, Ferguson DC. AM J VET RES 64:1409-1413, 2003.