UPDATE 1-Vivus says obesity drug helps diabetics

* Drug lowers blood glucose levels

* Shares rise 6 pct

LOS ANGELES, June 8 (Reuters) - Drug developer Vivus Inc (VVUS.O) said on Monday said that its experimental drug Qnexa was shown to improve blood sugar control through weight loss in obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

The one-year trial results for the weight loss drug sent the company's shares up nearly 6 percent after hours.

The study also showed that Qnexa had a positive impact on other risk factors associated with diseases prevalent in people living with diabetes, according to Vivus.

The trial showed that patients treated with Qnexa achieved a 1.6 percent reduction in hemoglobin A1c -- a key indicator of blood sugar control -- compared with a drop of 1.1 percent in the placebo group.

In addition, patients treated with Qnexa lost an average 9.4 percent of their body weight, or 20.5 pounds, compared with 2.7 percent, or 6.1 pounds, for the placebo group.

Shares of Vivus, which closed at $5.49 on Nasdaq, were higher at $5.81 after hours.