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.