Bromocriptine in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Bromocriptine mesylate quick-release was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2009, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Bromocriptine is thought to act on the circadian neuronal activities in the hypothalamus, to reset an abnormally elevated hypothalamic drive for increased plasma glucose, free fatty acids, and triglycerides in insulin-resistant patients. Randomized controlled trials have shown that bromocriptine-QR lowers glycated hemoglobin by 0.4 – 0.8% either as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-diabetes medications. The doses used to treat diabetes (up to 4.8 mg daily) are much lower than those used to treat Parkinson's disease, and apart from nausea, the drug is well-tolerated. The novel mechanism of action, good side effect profile, and its effects to reduce cardiovascular event rates make it an attractive option for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.