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TRIALS OF GLUCOSE-LOWERING drugs are not taking potential heart risks into account, experts have warned.
In a review published today in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal, a range of heart and diabetes experts have reviewed evidence showing a link between drugs used to treat diabetes and heart attacks.
There is already an increased risk of heart failure among those with diabetes.
They note that while ‘major adverse cardiovascular events’ such as cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke are all taken into account in clinical trials of the drugs, it is not seen as a key factor when accessing the associated health risks.
“Until heart failure is systematically evaluated in clinical trials, the cardiovascular safety of antidiabetes drugs will remain uncertain,” Professor John McMurray from the University of Glasgow, who led the study, said.
Fortunately, some trials in progress are taking heart failure into account as a secondary outcome. But many others are neglecting to report this important complication as a key trial outcome.
Diabetes Ireland say that the number of people with diabetes in Ireland is expected to hit 194,000 by 2015, a rise of 37 per cent from the 2007 figure.
They say one in eight people over 60 has diabetes.
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The 194,000 figure is about 4.2% of the population; in the USA, its 8.3%; UK 5.8%.
But the article doesn’t distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The later can often be obesity related; hence the high figures for the USA.
A 37% rise, though, is very high for Ireland – in such a short time, and may reflect changing lifestyles and/or diets.
Diabetes is easy to spot – just ask for a blood test.
One of the biggest diabetes problems is the number who have it – without knowing. This precipitates numerous serious health issues.
About 1m, in the UK, are thought to unknowingly have diabetes – a condition which needn’t have a major affect on your lifestyle.
Detection is easy – and you may only have to take a pill every now and then.
Thanks Bill. I hadn’t realized that 50% of those – rising to c200k in 2015, here – don’t know that they have it!
No type diabetes ?????? Ye here we go again, you guys might want to go back to Diabetes Ireland and clarify this please.
The media need to be a bit more responsible when talking about “diabetes” I know there is type 1 and type2 totally different conditions.
But “no type” diabetes, wouldn’t mind hearing what that’s all about……………….
Davila
No Type Diabetes refers to other forms of the disease caused by a variety of factors such as Pancreatic insufficiency . This is sometimes referred to as Type 3 Diabetes or No Type.
Actually Type 3 Diabetes was only discovered in 2005 and relates to the fact that you brain produces insulin as well. They are looking into the link with Alzheimers. This is because they have found the same proteins from Type 2 n the brain in people with Alzheimers.
Hi Davina,
If you read the review it relates to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which both come under the diabetes umbrella.
The information is not aimed at either type but in fact at anyone living with diabetes.
Diabetes Ireland were not contacted to comment on this article, those comment were taken from our website.
This is something that journalists are very welcome to do as we welcome all media and
encourage the sharing of information.
We would like to take this opportunity to share a link that explains the difference between diabetes type 1 and
diabetes type 2 to any one who has been confused by the article or comments.
have your say