So it was not diabetes but the common diabetes pill which was causing heart disease! Shocking research reveals the unbelievable!
They've been around for decades, are affordable, and have shown effective results in keeping glucose in check. But now, a new study has cast a shadow over this commonly used medicine. Researchers have discovered a possible link between glipizide and increased heart-related risks.
Here's what the study found, what it truly means, and why this matters to families where diabetes is part of everyday conversations.
Glipizide: Familiar, trusted, But now under scrutiny
Glipizide belongs to a group of drugs called sulfonylureas. For decades, these medications have been trusted for lowering blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, often when metformin alone isn't enough.
What made glipizide popular was its affordability and long-standing availability.
But popularity doesn't always mean perfection. The latest study signals a possible red flag. Involving nearly 48,000 individuals, this research found that those taking glipizide had a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure hospitalisations, and even cardiovascular-related deaths than those taking a newer class of drugs called DPP-4 inhibitors.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments
Binghatti Developers FZE
Get Offer
Undo
The numbers that raised eyebrows
The research compared glipizide with other sulfonylureas like glimepiride and glyburide, along with DPP-4 inhibitors. Here's what stood out:
Over a 5-year period, the risk of major heart events was 9.1% in those taking glipizide, while for those on DPP-4 inhibitors, it was 8.1%.
The risk ratio for glipizide users was 1.13, indicating a 13% higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to DPP-4 inhibitor users.
The risk was also slightly higher with glimepiride (8.6%) and glyburide (8.4%), but not statistically significant.
What makes this important is that most participants were on their second diabetes medication after metformin, a common scenario in diabetes care. And they weren't at extremely high cardiac risk to begin with, just moderate, everyday individuals managing a chronic condition.
Not just about the numbers, but about what they mean
It's easy to be alarmed by statistics. But what do these numbers truly tell us?
Firstly, the study doesn't claim that glipizide causes heart problems directly. What it suggests is a possible association, a pattern that raises concerns, especially in people already facing moderate cardiovascular risk.
The heart, after all, is already under pressure in type 2 diabetes. When a drug meant to help with sugar control potentially adds to that risk, even slightly, it becomes a serious discussion for healthcare providers.
Why affordability might come at a cost
Sulfonylureas like glipizide are often the go-to option in low- and middle-income settings because they're inexpensive. DPP-4 inhibitors, on the other hand, are costlier but have a more favourable cardiovascular safety profile.
This raises a deeper, more sensitive question: should treatment decisions depend on cost or safety?
The answer isn't straightforward. But studies like this push for better informed decisions, where doctors weigh more than just sugar levels, they also look at heart health, overall risk, and long-term quality of life.
What this means for families dealing with diabetes
This isn't about pushing panic buttons. Glipizide is still an approved and effective drug. But the study offers important insights for personalised diabetes management. It's a reminder that medications work differently for different people, and what works well for one might not be ideal for another, especially when silent risks like cardiovascular strain are involved.
It's also a cue to revisit older medications with a fresh lens, especially when newer, safer options are available. The story here isn't about fear, but about awareness and agency.
(Inputs from agencies)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Govt intensifies control measures, as state reports over 650 dengue cases
1 2 Bhubaneswar: The state has reported over 650 dengue cases, including more than 200 cases in Bhubaneswar, since Jan 1, prompting the govt to intensify both active and passive surveillance efforts to curb the spread of the vector-borne disease, officials said. Dr Nilakantha Mishra, director of public health, said Malkangiri and Cuttack followed Bhubaneswar with 60 and 50 cases, respectively. Mishra said that out of 50,000 dengue tests conducted this year, over 650 returned positive. "This year, we observed a decrease in dengue cases compared to last year's 1,080 recorded till July last week," he said. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) is actively analysing the situation across various areas to implement necessary control measures. With the capital city recording the highest number of dengue cases, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and health teams have ramped up efforts to control the situation. Official sources said Patia, Sikharchandi and Prasanti Vihar are the primary areas reporting new cases. In response, BMC is working to eliminate breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, the carrier of dengue virus. Health teams are also engaging in community outreach to educate residents about dengue prevention. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo They are urging people to avoid storing water in and around their homes, as stagnant water serves as mosquito breeding ground. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impact of dengue and protect public health. "As the state continues to battle the seasonal surge in dengue cases, authorities remain vigilant, employing a combination of surveillance, community engagement and mosquito control measures to safeguard citizens," said the officer. Last year, dengue cases were reported in Balasore, Khurda and Sundargarh districts. Therefore, the govt has taken steps for extensive public awareness, diagnosis and treatment for the prevention and control of malaria and dengue cases. Emphasis was also placed on creating widespread public awareness through information, education and communication measures to prevent the diseases.
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Fertility racket: Docs warn against misleading advices, call for practical approach
Hyderabad: Doctors and experts in the city acknowledge that while the declining fertility rate is a well-established fact, many practical solutions for conception are being overlooked due to misleading advice. This has resulted in recent fraud cases involving the Srushti Fertility Centre. They emphasise that common issues, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men, can negatively impact sperm count. However, instead of addressing these basic issues, patients are often led to explore costly options that ultimately fail. The anxiety faced by many couples is being exploited, pushing them towards illegal treatments that are often ineffective. According to Dr Shivaraj Manoharan, andrologist, urologist, and male fertility consultant at KIMS Kondapur, societal biases often lead to overlooking male factors in women's infertility diagnoses. "Since 1983, the average sperm count has declined from 40 million to 20 million per millilitre, close to the 15 million threshold for fertility. When couples seek fertility help, initial tests mainly focus on women, neglecting male factors and simple infections in the reproductive systems. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo By then, it's often too late," he said. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad He also noted that simple medications can treat infections in both men and women, allowing them to conceive. Often, the DNA Fragmentation Index in men is overlooked, which can actually gauge the possibilities of fertility. Another crucial factor, yet frequently ignored before pursuing fertility treatments, is stress. Dr M Saradhi Goud, a consultant psychiatrist at Kamineni Hospital, states, "In modern-day lifestyle, stress is a key reason why women are unable to conceive. Stress affects both men and women, contributing to this issue. Often, people approach us too late for stress management, but it is better to understand stress levels and seek help accordingly before pursuing any fertility assistance. " Relationship issues also cause stress; it is important to seek counselling instead of running around for costly treatments, he added. Dr Jyothy Reddy, a fertility specialist at Shreya Hospital, advises couples to seek a second opinion to avoid suggestive or potentially exploitative advice. She warned that delayed diagnosis can lead women to reach an age where conception becomes hindered by a lack of necessary egg production.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
High Noon recalls vodka seltzers mistakenly labeled as energy drinks in multiple states
High Noon recalls: High Noon, a popular alcoholic beverage brand, has issued a nationwide product recall due to a labeling error that resulted in vodka seltzers being packed in cans intended for Celsius energy drinks. The confusion has sparked concerns about unintentional alcohol consumption. No illnesses have been reported, but consumers are urged to check their cans right away. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Project Management Artificial Intelligence Digital Marketing MCA Data Analytics others Cybersecurity Public Policy Others CXO Design Thinking Product Management Data Science Degree Finance Management Healthcare MBA Leadership PGDM Technology Data Science healthcare Operations Management Skills you'll gain: Project Planning & Governance Agile Software Development Practices Project Management Tools & Software Techniques Scrum Framework Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Programme in IT Project Management Starts on Jun 20, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management Project Planning & Risk Analysis Strategic Project/Portfolio Selection Adaptive & Agile Project Management Duration: 6 Months IIT Delhi Certificate Programme in Project Management Starts on May 30, 2024 Get Details The mislabeled drinks, which are sold in eight states, have the potential to lead to accidental alcohol consumption. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'How This Startup Got 300 Leads in 7 Days Using AI' VELORUM LEADS Try Free Undo What triggered the High Noon recall? The error occurred when a shared packaging supplier sent High Noon empty Celsius cans, which were later filled and added to the variety packs. According to a post on the US Food and Drug Administration's website, High Noon declared a recall of vodka seltzer drinks that it claims were mistakenly marketed as Celsius energy drinks, as per a report by Bloomberg. Live Events "Unintentional alcohol ingestion will occur if the liquid in these cans is consumed," the company stated. As of right now, no illnesses or adverse events have been linked to this recall. Following the unintentional filling of certain Celsius Astro Vibe sparkling blue razz cans with High Noon vodka seltzer, High Noon, which is owned by E&J Gallo Winery, recalled its Beach Variety 12-packs. ALSO READ: Kamala Harris confirms she won't run for California Governor in 2026, eyes new national role- here's what she plans to do instead The recall concerns two production lots of High Noon Beach Variety packs in which vodka seltzer was inadvertently put into cans of Celsius Astro Vibe sparkling blue razz drinks with a silver top. In an email, a Gallo representative stated that the voluntary recall was the result of "a labeling error from our can supplier" and that the company was proactively managing the recall in collaboration with the FDA, retailers, and distributors. How can consumers identify the mislabeled cans? By mistake, empty Celsius cans were sent to a facility in High Noon. Celsius Astro Vibe Sparkling Blue Razz is one of the impacted beverages. The tops of the vodka-filled cans are silver rather than black. The error resulted from a packaging mix-up. Consumers should check lot codes and properly dispose of affected products. ALSO READ: Aimee Osbourne makes a rare appearance at Ozzy Osbourne's Funeral, honouring a quiet legacy Which states and products are affected? Lot codes L CCC 17JL25 14:0 to L CCC 17JL25 23:59 and L CCC 18JL25 00:00 to L CCC 18JL25 03:00 are impacted by High Noon beach variety packs, a sper a report by NewsNation. Between July 21 and July 23, the packs were shipped to retailers in Florida, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Before consuming Celsius Astro Vibe sparkling blue razz drinks from cans that were not included in the variety pack, consumers are urged to confirm that the cans are not from lot codes L CCB 02JL25 2:55 to L CCB 02JL25 3:11. What should I do if I have an infected can? Customers should dispose of their products without drinking if they have items in the impacted lot codes. Celsius is collaborating with High Noon and parent company Gallo to recall the drinks; it was not involved in the mislabeling incident. Contact consumerrelations@ if you have the impacted drinks and would like a refund or have any questions, reported NewsNation. There have been no reported adverse events or illnesses related to the recall. FAQs What should I do if I have an infected can? Check the lot code. If it matches the recall, discard the can and contact High Noon for assistance. Is Celsius to blame for the mixup? No, the error occurred at High Noon's facility as a result of mislabeled cans from a common packaging supplier.
