Rimonabant In Prediabetic Subjects To Delay Onset Of Type 2 Diabetes

Inclusion Criteria: * No previous history of treatment for type 2 diabetes. * Diagnosis of : * Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) based on one oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and defined as a 2 hour post-challenge glucose (after a 75-g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) \> 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) but \< 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L), at the screening visit. * And / or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) based on a Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) ³ 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) and \< 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L), at the screening visit. Exclusion Criteria: * Absence of effective contraceptive method for females of childbearing potential. * Presence of any clinically significant endocrine disease according to the Investigator.Note: euthyroid patients on replacement therapy will be included if the dosage of thyroxine is stable for at least 3 months prior to screening visit. * Presence of any severe medical or psychological condition or chronic conditions/infections that in the opinion of the Investigator would compromise the patient's safety or successful participation in the study. * Presence or history of cancer within the past five years with the exception of adequately treated localized basal cell skin cancer or in situ uterine cervical cancer. * Related to laboratory findings: * positive test for hepatitis B surface antigen and/or hepatitis C antibody; * Positive urine pregnancy test in females of childbearing potential ; * Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 outside central laboratory normal range. * Related to previous or concomitant medications: * Within 3 months prior to screening visit and/or during the screening period: * anti-obesity drugs (e.g., sibutramine, orlistat, herbal preparations, etc), * systemic long-acting corticosteroids; prolonged use (more than 10 days) of systemic corticosteroids;