| Outcome Measures: |
Primary: Change in whole-body insulin sensitivity as assessed by M-value (Insulin-stimulated glucose disposal rate), from baseline to Week 16 | Secondary: Change in hepatic insulin sensitivity (basal index of hepatic insulin resistance), from baseline to Week 16|Change in parameters of beta cell function (first and second phase insulin secretion), from baseline to Week 16|Change in HbA1c, from baseline to Week 16|Change in lipid profile, from baseline to Week 16|Change in mean 24h blood pressure, from baseline to Week 16|Change in hepatic fat content measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRI), from baseline to Week 16|Change in fat content/distribution in the abdominal region measured by MRI, from baseline to Week 16|Change in total body fat content measured by air displacement phlethysmography, from baseline to Week 16|Change in homeostatic indexes of insulin sensitivity assessed by Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Sensitivity (HOMA-IS), from baseline to Week 16|Change in markers of cardiovascular risk (high sensitivity C-reactive protein, adiponectin, free fatty acid), from baseline to Week 16|Safety: Incidence of adverse events, 22 weeks
|
