Researchers conducted a randomized trial involving individuals diagnosed with prediabetes. Participants received either two injections of the drug anakinra or a placebo. The study measured various blood markers, including white blood cells, inflammation proteins, and hormones involved in blood sugar control, over a 12-hour period.
The main findings showed that anakinra significantly reduced total white blood cell counts, neutrophils, monocytes, and CRP levels. It also caused slight increases in lymphocytes and trends toward higher early insulin and GLP-1 responses. Additionally, the drug lowered specific inflammatory proteins like IL-1beta after 60 minutes.
Despite these changes in blood markers, the study reported no significant improvements in actual insulin secretion or glucose metabolism. The researchers caution that while the drug affects immune cells quickly, these short-term changes do not yet translate to better blood sugar control. Readers should understand that this early evidence does not confirm anakinra is effective for treating prediabetes or preventing diabetes.