Influence of extended-release nicotinic acid on nonesterified fatty acid flux in the metabolic syndrome with atherogenic dyslipidemia.

Nicotinic acid has favorable effects on atherogenic dyslipidemia. However, in some patients who have diabetes, crystalline nicotinic acid decreases glycemic control; this effect could be due to a marked rebound of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) observed after nicotinic acid suppression of lipolysis in adipose tissue. Recent reports have indicated that small doses of extended-release nicotinic acid do not cause a substantial decrease in glucose levels.