New diabetes medicine to reduce heart complications by 14%: Study
The new diabetes medicine referred to in the study is semaglutide, which has been found to reduce the risk of heart-related complications by up to 14% in people with diabetes. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist commonly used to manage blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. It also has benefits in weight loss, making it an anti-obesity medication as well.
Key Findings of the Study:
Participants: The study involved 9,650 participants aged 50 and above with Type 2 diabetes and either atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or both.
Methodology: Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a once-daily oral semaglutide (14 mg) or a placebo. Standard treatments for lowering glucose and cardiovascular risk were provided to both groups.
Outcomes: The study found that oral semaglutide significantly lowered the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to the placebo group. Non-fatal myocardial infarction (heart attack) showed the highest reduction in risk.
Semaglutide’s Mechanism:
Semaglutide works by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Its cardiovascular benefits are thought to be partly due to its effects on weight loss and blood pressure reduction, although the exact mechanisms are still being studied.
Other Medications with Similar Benefits:
Other diabetes medications, such as sotagliflozin and empagliflozin, have also shown significant cardiovascular benefits. Sotagliflozin, an SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce heart attacks and strokes by blocking both SGLT1 and SGLT2 receptors, offering a unique mechanism of action compared to other SGLT2 inhibitors. Empagliflozin, another SGLT2 inhibitor, has been effective in reducing the risk of heart failure hospitalizations and cardiovascular death.
