Method for lowering serum glucose

Abstract

A method for treating hyperglycemia and/or reducing serum glucose levels in a patient that includes administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an amine polymer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the amine polymer is aliphatic. Examples of polymers useful in an embodiment of the invention include sevelamer hydrogen chloride and colesevelam. The invention includes the use of amine polymers such as a cross-linked polymer characterized by a repeat unit having the formula: and salts and copolymers thereof, where n is a positive integer and x is zero or an integer between 1 and about 4. Also described is a use, for the manufacture of a medicament, of a polymer that lowers serum glucose.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . A method for reducing serum glucose levels in a human diabetic patient, comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a powder comprising colesevelam or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the powder comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of colesevelam.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the powder is administered to the patient by incorporating it into a drink.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the powder is administered to the patient by incorporating it into a drink.  
   
   
       25 . A method for reducing serum glucose levels in a human diabetic patient, comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a powder comprising colesevelam or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said colesevelam or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is the only active ingredient administered to the patient.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the powder comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of colesevelam.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the powder is administered to the patient by incorporating it into a drink.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the powder is administered to the patient by incorporating it into a drink.