New research suggests that sulfonylureas, a popular class of oral Type 2 diabetes drugs, is linked to a higher risk of death and heart failure, according to a recent article published by Web MD.
When compared to metformin (Glucophage), the most widely prescribed drug for Type 2 diabetes, patients taking only first- or second-generation sulfonylureas were 61% more likely to die. For the study researchers examined medical records of 91,000 diabetes patients. During the follow-up period, 18,500 patients had died, while 36,000 had suffered from heart attacks and 6,900 developed congestive heart failure.
Second-generation sulfonylureas are the second most popular Type 2 diabetes drugs and include names such as Glucotrol, Amaryl, Diabeta, Micronase, Glycron, Glynase. First-generation sulfonylureas include Dymelor, Diabineae, and Tolinase.
The researchers say the findings suggest that metformin should be used as a first-line defense against Type 2 diabetes. Experts say there may be instances where sulfonylureas are appropriate and that no one should stop taking prescribed medicine because of the study’s results.
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