Octreotide decreases insulin resistance so that the dosage of insulin used by diabetics can be reduced.
Octreotide appears to have no benefits in those with intact insulin reserves (type 2 diabetes). In addition,
octreotide has been reported to reduce sulphonylurea-induced hypoglycaemia.
If
octreotide is used, anticipate the need to reduce the insulin dosage (studies suggest by up to 50%).
Octreotide may affect insulin secretion, and therefore glucose tolerance, and so it would certainly be prudent to monitor the effects of giving
octreotide with any of the oral
antidiabetics.