Effect of nifedipine on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

The effect of the acute and long-term oral administration of nifedipine on glucose and insulin levels during a standard oral glucose tolerance test was studied in a total of 8 diabetic and 8 non-diabetic patients. No significant effect weas found on either glucose or insulin levels or on serum calcium and phosphate concentrations. The drug was withdrawn in 2 patients because of side-effects and failure of response, respectively. When used in standard recommended oral dosage nifedipine has no significant effect on glucose tolerance.