Diabetes Treatment Drug May Cause Heart Failure

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A recent study has shown that diabetes drugs can actually increase the risk of heart failure.

According to NDTV Food, heart failure is a "common occurrence" for people living with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, heart failure can effect a diabetic's healthcare costs, life expectancy, and quality of life.  

The study, published in "The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology," revealed that diabetics who take sugar-lowering drugs have an increased risk of heart failure, reports Financial Express. The study's conclusion was based on 14 trials and over 95,000 plus patients.  

Dr. Jacob Udell, the lead researcher of the study and a cardiologist at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, and Women's College Hospital, said:

"Patients randomized to new or more intensive blood sugar-lowering drugs or strategies to manage diabetes showed an overall 14 per cent increased risk for heart failure. This increased risk was directly associated with the type of diabetes therapy that was chosen, with some drugs more likely to cause heart failure than others, compared with placebo or standard care."  

The study reveals a 7% increase of possible heart failure for every kilogram of weight gain caused by type 2 diabetes drugs, notes Diabetes.co. Furthermore, 4% of the patients who participated experienced heart failure during individual trials. Meanwhile, 9.8% of the patients experienced some serious cardiovascular issues, like stroke.  

Despite the results, the researchers of the study do not suggest that diabetics avoid all glucose-lowering medication, as some are very important for treating diabetes. In fact, the study shows that not all medications increase the risk of heart failure, adding that risks should be assessed on a case-to-case basis.  

Dr. Michael Farkouh, the senior author of the study, explains that, "While some drugs showed an increased risk, other strategies tested, such as intensive weight loss to control blood sugar, showed a trend towards a lower risk for heart failure." 

The researchers recommend some natural ways to treat type 2 diabetes so there is no increased risk of heart disease. They advice diabetics to lose weight through exercise and dietary changes. 

Dr. Barry Rubin, the Medical Director at Peter Munk Cardiac Center, says "The results of this study could prove to be the catalyst for how diabetes patients at risk for heart disease are manged moving forwards."