Effect of carvedilol versus nebivolol on insulin resistance among non-diabetic, non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with heart failure

BACKGROUND: Although B-blockers provide unequivocal benefits in heart failure (HF) management, some B-blockers worsen insulin resistance. It will be a promising strategy to recruit such a B blocker that did not worsen or can even improve insulin resistance (IR). So, this study aimed to assess the effect of two of the third-generation B-blockers (carvedilol versus nebivolol) on insulin sensitivity state in non-diabetic patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with heart failure. RESULTS: Out of 43 patients enrolled, 58.1% represented the carvedilol group while 41.9% represented the nebivolol group. Nebivolol improves insulin resistance-related variables (fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR; P < 0.001, 0.01, and 0.01 respectively). The percentage of change at homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA-IR), indicative of insulin sensitivity status, between baseline versus at 3-months follow-up level of intra-group comparison was increased by 4.58% in the carvedilol arm whereas it was decreased by 11.67% in the nebivolol arm, and the difference on the intragroup level of comparison was significant (P < 0.001 and 0.01 respectively). CONCLUSION: Nebivolol improves insulin resistance-related variables .Nebivolol may be recommended as the B blocker of the first choice for those with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy heart failure with evident insulin resistance; however, larger scaled prospective multicenter randomized trials are needed for confirming our favorable results.