The new study sought to determine if glycemic control improved while patients were treated with bupropion hydrochloride extended release (Wellbutrin XL), an antidepressant medication commonly prescribed to treat depression. Participants were given 150 milligrams (mg) each morning and the dosages were adjusted biweekly in 150 mg increments (up to a maximum of 450 mg a day). There were two phases to the study: a 10-week acute phase in which participants were given this continually increasing dosage, followed by a 24-week maintenance phase where they received the same level of medication.
Measurements of body mass index, total fat mass, blood glucose and adherence to diabetes self-care were taken at the outset and then periodically throughout the study. Researchers found that people treated with bupropion showed significant reductions in depression and improvements in glycemic control, weight loss and diabetes self-care.
The research appeared in the March issue of Diabetes Care.
Copyright 2007 iVillage Total Health.
