In a nutshell
This review examined the risk of mortality associated with sulfonylureas in patients with type 2 diabetes. The authors concluded that sulfonylureas do not increase the risk of mortality or cardiovascular mortality.
Some background
Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) may be treated with medication to reduce blood glucose (sugar) levels. If blood glucose levels are not controlled with metformin (Glucophage), patients may also receive a sulfonylurea drug. Sulfonylureas include glipizide (Glucotrol) and glimepiride (Amaryl). However, it is unknown whether sulfonylureas increase the overall risk of mortality. It is also unknown whether sulfonylureas increase the risk of mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels and can lead to heart failure or stroke.
Methods & findings
This review aimed to determine whether sulfonylureas increase the risk of mortality in T2D patients.
This review summarized findings from 47 studies. All studies assessed the association between mortality risk and sulfonylurea use in T2D patients. In total, the 47 studies included 37,650 patients.
Sulfonylureas were not associated with the risk of mortality due to any cause or the risk of cardiovascular mortality. In addition, sulfonylurea use was not associated with the risk of a heart attack or the risk of a stroke.
The bottom line
This review concluded that sulfonylureas are not associated with the risk of mortality overall or the risk of cardiovascular mortality. The review also concluded that sulfonylureas are not associated with the risk of a heart attack or the risk of a stroke.
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The fine print
This review included findings from some studies which were not designed to specifically assess mortality in patients
Published By :
Plos Medicine
Date :
Apr 01, 2016
