Objectives: Chronic subacute inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Salicylates were shown years ago to lower glucose and more recently to inhibit NF‐κB activity. Salsalate, a prodrug form of salicylate, has seen extensive clinical use and has a favorable safety profile. We studied the efficacy of salsalate in reducing glycemia and insulin resistance and potential mechanisms of action to validate NF‐κB as a potential pharmacologic target in diabetes.

Methods and Results: In open label studies, both high (4.5 g/d) and standard (3.0 g/d) doses of salsalate reduced fasting and postchallenge glucose levels after 2 weeks of treatment. Salsalate increased glucose utilization during euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps, by approximately 50% and 15% at the high and standard doses, respectively, and insulin clearance was decreased. Dose‐limiting tinnitus occurred only at the higher dose. In a third, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled trial, 1 month of salsalate at maximum tolerable dose (no tinnitus) improved fasting and postchallenge glucose levels. Circulating free fatty acids were reduced and adiponectin increased in all treated subjects.

Conclusions: These data demonstrate that salsalate improves in vivo glucose and lipid homeostasis, and support targeting of inflammation and NF‐κB as a therapeutic approach in type 2 diabetes.