Jake takes nicotinic acid for the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia. How does nicotinic acid act? It inhibits the enzyme for cholesterol synthesis. It inhibits intestinal absorption of both dietary and biliary cholesterol. It binds bile acids in the intestine. It reduces hepatic synthesis of triglycerides.
Full Answer
Does nicotinic acid reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in diabetic dyslipidemia?
It has been reported that with the use of this drug progression of atherosclerosis is decreased, cardiovascular events are reduced to a large extent in patients with diabetic dyslipidemia. In an earlier trial nicotinic acid had shown that the incidence of cardiovascular events is reduced by 90%.
Is nicotinic acid safe for diabetics?
Contrary to the previous belief that nicotinic acid cannot be used in diabetics, evidence is now available which shows it has only mild effect on the fasting glucose and hemoglobin A 1c levels. Even these slight changes can be controlled by available oral hypoglycemics.
Does long-term niacin (niacin-statin) therapy affect glycemic regulation in diabetic dyslipidemia?
On a population basis, significant reductions in incidences of cardiovascular events and the degree of atherosclerotic progression associated with long-term niacin (or niacin-statin) therapy in patients with diabetic dyslipidemia outweigh the typically mild effects of this therapy on glycemic regulation.
How does nicotinic acid affect lipoproteins?
DISCUSSION. Consequently, there is a decrease of substrate (fatty acids) available to produce very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) in the liver. Nicotinic acid also decreases the synthesis of triacylglycerols (triglycerides) in the liver by inhibiting the enzyme diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2.
Does nicotinic acid lower cholesterol?
Abstract. Niacin (nicotinic acid), the most effective available pharmacotherapy for increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also lowers triglycerides and hence may be useful, alone or in combination with hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins), to offset residual cardiovascular risk in patients with mixed ...
Is niacin good for diabetes?
Niacin therapy was infrequently associated with incident diabetes or the need for new insulin prescriptions. Studies showed important clinical benefits of niacin or niacin-statin regimens despite modest effects on glucose control. On a population basis, significant reductions in incidences of cardiovascular events and the degree ...
Is nicotinic acid a lipid lowering drug?
Nicotinic acid has been in use as a lipid-lowering drug for five decades now. It is effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a), and in increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol.
Is nicotinic acid good for diabetics?
From a few studies, there is evidence that nicotinic acid is effective in reducing cardiovascular events. Although overall safety is good, the unpleasant side effect of flushing, albeit not harmful, ...