A new study from Northwestern University has found that two common diabetes drugs might increase the risk of serious heart problems.
These drugs—sulfonylureas and basal insulin—are often given to people with type 2 diabetes when the first-choice treatment, metformin, doesn’t work well enough or can’t be used.
The study showed that these drugs may raise the chances of having a heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and even needing an amputation.
The research looked at data from over 132,000 people with type 2 diabetes who were starting a second medication after using metformin. It was published in JAMA Network Open, a medical journal.
The scientists compared six major second-line diabetes drugs to see which ones were safer for the heart. The results were worrying for people taking sulfonylureas and basal insulin, which are still widely used in the United States.
Basal insulin is a long-acting insulin that works slowly throughout the day to keep blood sugar levels steady. Sulfonylureas help the pancreas make more insulin. Both have been used for many years to manage diabetes, but this new study says they may come with serious risks.
According to the study, people who took sulfonylureas were 36% more likely to have heart problems than those who took a newer drug called a DPP-4 inhibitor. The risk was even higher for people who took basal insulin. They were twice as likely to have major heart issues compared to those on DPP-4 inhibitors.
Because of these findings, the researchers suggest that doctors think carefully about which drugs they choose after metformin. They recommend newer types of medications like GLP-1 agonists (for example, liraglutide), SGLT-2 inhibitors (such as empagliflozin), or DPP-4 inhibitors (like sitagliptin). These drugs seem to be better for heart health.
But there is a problem: these newer drugs cost more. That’s one reason why sulfonylureas and basal insulin are still commonly used—they are cheaper and easier for many patients to get.
Even so, the researchers say doctors should think about the long-term health of their patients. Prescribing a more expensive drug that protects the heart could help avoid serious health problems later on.
This study also shows how important it is to personalize treatment. Everyone is different, and what works for one person might not be the best choice for another—especially when it comes to heart health.
In short, while sulfonylureas and basal insulin help lower blood sugar, they may also raise the risk of heart disease. Doctors and patients should talk about these risks and think about using newer, safer drugs if possible.
As we learn more about diabetes medications, the goal should be to find treatments that not only manage blood sugar but also keep the heart healthy.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Scientists find a promising treatment for type 2 diabetes and findings of Certain type 2 diabetes treatment may bring heart risks.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about New type 2 diabetes treatment could help patients stop taking insulin and findings of Scientists find true cause of inflammation in type 2 diabetes.
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