Latest news with #DPP-4
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
So it was not diabetes but the common diabetes pill which was causing heart disease! Shocking research reveals the unbelievable!
For many living with type 2 diabetes, managing blood sugar is a daily reality. Often, medications come as a lifeline, and among them, sulfonylureas like glipizide are popular choices, especially in the US. 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)
Hans India
6 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Study links common diabetes drug with cardiovascular risk
New Delhi: A commonly used type 2 diabetes medication in the US -- Glipizide -- may be linked to a higher rate of heart-related conditions, claimed a study. Researchers from Mass General Brigham examined nationwide data from nearly 50,000 patients treated with different sulfonylureas. They found that glipizide was linked to a higher incidence of heart failure, related hospitalisation, and death compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The findings are published in JAMA Network Open. 'Patients with type 2 diabetes are at heightened risk of adverse cardiovascular incidents such as stroke and cardiac arrest,' said corresponding author Alexander Turchin, Division of Endocrinology at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH). 'While sulfonylureas are popular and affordable diabetes medications, there is a lack of long-term clinical data on how they affect cardiac health in comparison to more neutral alternatives like dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors,' he added. Type 2 diabetes is a common chronic disease whose prevalence continues to grow worldwide. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including coronary ischemia, stroke, and heart failure. Mitigation of cardiovascular risk is therefore an important aspect of the treatment of diabetes. The study included 48,165 patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate cardiovascular risk who received care at 10 different study sites across the country. The researchers studied the five-year risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients treated with different sulfonylureas (glimepiride, glipizide, or glyburide) or DPP4i in addition to metformin, a primary diabetes medication. They found that glipizide was associated with a 13 per cent increase in cardiovascular risk when compared to DPP4i, while glimepiride and glyburide led to relatively smaller and less clear effects, respectively. 'Our study underscores the importance of evaluating each drug in a particular pharmacological class on its own merits,' said Turchin. The team also called for further research to uncover the underlying mechanisms.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Nature's Ozempic: What and how you eat can increase levels of GLP-1 without drugs
Toronto: Despite the popularity of semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, surveys suggest that most people still prefer to lose weight without using medications. For those preferring a drug-free approach to weight loss, research shows that certain nutrients and dietary strategies can naturally mimic the effects of semaglutides. Increased intakes of fibre and monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil and avocadoes) - as well as the time of day when foods are eaten, the order that foods are eaten in, the speed of eating and even chewing - can naturally stimulate increased production of the same hormone responsible for the effects of semaglutide drugs. As a family physician with a PhD in nutrition, I translate the latest nutrition science into dietary recommendations for my patients. A strategic approach to weight loss rooted in the latest science is not only superior to antiquated calorie counting, but also capitalizes on the same biological mechanisms responsible for the success of popular weight-loss drugs. Semaglutide medications work by increasing the levels of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1), a satiety signal that slows digestion and makes us feel full. These drugs also simultaneously decrease levels of an enzyme called DPP-4, which inactivates GLP-1. As a result, this "stop eating" hormone that naturally survives for only a few minutes can survive for an entire week. This enables a semi-permanent, just-eaten sensation of fullness that consequently leads to decreased food intake and, ultimately, weight loss. Nevertheless, medications aren't the only way to raise GLP-1 levels. What you eat Fibre - predominantly found in beans, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds - is the most notable nutrient that can significantly increase GLP-1. When fibre is fermented by the trillions of bacteria that live in our intestines, the resultant byproduct, called short chain fatty acids, stimulates the production of GLP-1. This may explain why fibre consumption is one of the strongest predictors of weight loss and has been shown to enable weight loss even in the absence of calorie restriction. Monounsaturated fats - found in olive oil and avocado oil - are another nutrient that raises GLP-1. One study showed that GLP-1 levels were higher following the consumption of bread and olive oil compared to bread and butter. Though notably, bread consumed with any kind of fat (be it from butter or even cheese) raises GLP-1 more than bread alone. Another study showed that having an avocado alongside your breakfast bagel also increases GLP-1 more so than eating the bagel on its own. Nuts that are high in both fibre and monounsaturated fats, like pistachios, have also been shown to raise GLP-1 levels. How you eat However, the specific foods and nutrients that influence GLP-1 levels are only half the story. GLP-1 is a good example of how it's not just what you eat that matters, it's also how you eat it. Studies show that meal sequence - the order foods are eaten in - can impact GLP-1. Eating protein, like fish or meat, before carbohydrates, like rice, results in a higher GLP-1 level compared to eating carbohydrates before protein. Eating vegetables before carbohydrates has a similar effect. Time of day also matters, because like all hormones, GLP-1 follows a circadian rhythm. A meal eaten at 8 am stimulates a more pronounced release of GLP-1 compared to the same meal at 5 pm. This may partly explain why the old saying "eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper" is backed by evidence that demonstrates greater weight loss when breakfast is the largest meal of the day and dinner is the smallest. The speed of eating can matter, too. Eating ice cream over 30 minutes has been shown to produce a significantly higher GLP-1 level compared to eating ice cream over five minutes. However, studies looking at blood sugar responses have suggested that if vegetables are eaten first, the speed of eating becomes less important. Even chewing matters. One study showed that eating shredded cabbage raised GLP-1 more than drinking pureed cabbage. Not as potent as medication While certain foods and dietary strategies can increase GLP-1 naturally , the magnitude is far less than what is achievable with medications. One study of the GLP-1 raising effects of the Mediterranean diet demonstrated a peak GLP-1 level of approximately 59 picograms per millilitre of blood serum. The product monograph for Ozempic reports that the lowest dose produces a GLP-1 level of 65 nanograms per millilitre. So medications raise GLP-1 more than one thousand times higher than diet. Nevertheless, when you compare long-term risk for diseases like heart attacks, the Mediterranean diet lowers risk of cardiac events by 30 per cent, outperforming GLP-1 medications that lower risk by 20 per cent. While weight loss will always be faster with medications, for overall health, dietary approaches are superior to medications. The following strategies are important for those trying to lose weight without a prescription: -Eat breakfast -Strive to make breakfast the largest meal of the day (or at least frontload your day as much as possible) -Aim to eat at least one fibre-rich food at every meal -Make olive oil a dietary staple -Be mindful of the order that you eat foods in, consume protein and vegetables before carbohydrates -Snack on nuts -Chew your food -Eat slowly While natural approaches to raising GLP-1 may not be as potent as medications, they provide a drug-free approach to weight loss and healthy eating. (The Conversation)
NDTV
26-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nature's Ozempic: What And How You Eat Affects Your Weight Loss Journey
Toronto: Despite the popularity of semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, surveys suggest that most people still prefer to lose weight without using medications. For those preferring a drug-free approach to weight loss, research shows that certain nutrients and dietary strategies can naturally mimic the effects of semaglutides. Increased intakes of fibre and monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil and avocadoes) - as well as the time of day when foods are eaten, the order that foods are eaten in, the speed of eating and even chewing - can naturally stimulate increased production of the same hormone responsible for the effects of semaglutide drugs. As a family physician with a PhD in nutrition, I translate the latest nutrition science into dietary recommendations for my patients. A strategic approach to weight loss rooted in the latest science is not only superior to antiquated calorie counting, but also capitalizes on the same biological mechanisms responsible for the success of popular weight-loss drugs. Semaglutide medications work by increasing the levels of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1), a satiety signal that slows digestion and makes us feel full. These drugs also simultaneously decrease levels of an enzyme called DPP-4, which inactivates GLP-1. As a result, this "stop eating" hormone that naturally survives for only a few minutes can survive for an entire week. This enables a semi-permanent, just-eaten sensation of fullness that consequently leads to decreased food intake and, ultimately, weight loss. Nevertheless, medications aren't the only way to raise GLP-1 levels. What You Eat Fibre - predominantly found in beans, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds - is the most notable nutrient that can significantly increase GLP-1. When fibre is fermented by the trillions of bacteria that live in our intestines, the resultant byproduct, called short chain fatty acids, stimulates the production of GLP-1. This may explain why fibre consumption is one of the strongest predictors of weight loss and has been shown to enable weight loss even in the absence of calorie restriction. Monounsaturated fats - found in olive oil and avocado oil - are another nutrient that raises GLP-1. One study showed that GLP-1 levels were higher following the consumption of bread and olive oil compared to bread and butter. Though notably, bread consumed with any kind of fat (be it from butter or even cheese) raises GLP-1 more than bread alone. Another study showed that having an avocado alongside your breakfast bagel also increases GLP-1 more so than eating the bagel on its own. Nuts that are high in both fibre and monounsaturated fats, like pistachios, have also been shown to raise GLP-1 levels. How You Eat However, the specific foods and nutrients that influence GLP-1 levels are only half the story. GLP-1 is a good example of how it's not just what you eat that matters, it's also how you eat it. Studies show that meal sequence - the order foods are eaten in - can impact GLP-1. Eating protein, like fish or meat, before carbohydrates, like rice, results in a higher GLP-1 level compared to eating carbohydrates before protein. Eating vegetables before carbohydrates has a similar effect. Time of day also matters, because like all hormones, GLP-1 follows a circadian rhythm. A meal eaten at 8 a.m. stimulates a more pronounced release of GLP-1 compared to the same meal at 5 p.m. This may partly explain why the old saying "eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper" is backed by evidence that demonstrates greater weight loss when breakfast is the largest meal of the day and dinner is the smallest. The speed of eating can matter, too. Eating ice cream over 30 minutes has been shown to produce a significantly higher GLP-1 level compared to eating ice cream over five minutes. However, studies looking at blood sugar responses have suggested that if vegetables are eaten first, the speed of eating becomes less important. Even chewing matters. One study showed that eating shredded cabbage raised GLP-1 more than drinking pureed cabbage. Not As Potent As Medication While certain foods and dietary strategies can increase GLP-1 naturally, the magnitude is far less than what is achievable with medications. One study of the GLP-1 raising effects of the Mediterranean diet demonstrated a peak GLP-1 level of approximately 59 picograms per millilitre of blood serum. The product monograph for Ozempic reports that the lowest dose produces a GLP-1 level of 65 nanograms per millilitre (one nanogram = 1,000 picograms). So medications raise GLP-1 more than one thousand times higher than diet. Nevertheless, when you compare long-term risk for diseases like heart attacks, the Mediterranean diet lowers risk of cardiac events by 30 per cent, outperforming GLP-1 medications that lower risk by 20 per cent. While weight loss will always be faster with medications, for overall health, dietary approaches are superior to medications. The following strategies are important for those trying to lose weight without a prescription: Eat breakfast Strive to make breakfast the largest meal of the day (or at least frontload your day as much as possible) Aim to eat at least one fibre-rich food at every meal Make olive oil a dietary staple Be mindful of the order that you eat foods in, consume protein and vegetables before carbohydrates Snack on nuts Chew your food Eat slowly While natural approaches to raising GLP-1 may not be as potent as medications, they provide a drug-free approach to weight loss and healthy eating. (Author: Mary J. Scourboutakos, Adjunct Lecturer in Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto) (Disclaimer: Mary J. Scourboutakos does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.)
Epoch Times
26-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Weight-Loss Drugs May Lower Cancer Risk in Diabetic Patients, Study Finds
A new study suggests that popular weight-loss medications may do more than just help with diabetes and obesity—they could also modestly reduce the risk of developing certain cancers among adults with diabetes, according to Potential Cancer Prevention Researchers analyzed health records from more than 170,000 U.S. adults with both obesity and diabetes, focusing on those treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists—drugs known for managing blood sugar and, more recently, for aiding weight loss. The study compared these patients to a similar group taking dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, a class of diabetes drugs not associated with weight loss. The study found that after four years, patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists showed a 7 percent lower risk of developing any of 14 obesity-related cancers and an 8 percent lower risk of death from any cause, compared to those taking DPP-4 inhibitors. The lower cancer risk was more pronounced for colorectal cancers, with 16 percent fewer colon cancer cases and 28 percent fewer rectal cancer cases among the GLP-1 group. Study Details and Methodology The research, led by Lucas A. Mavromatis, a medical student at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine, used data from 43 U.S. health systems collected between 2013 and 2023. Study participants included adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and a diagnosis of diabetes. Each group—those on GLP-1 receptor agonists and those on DPP-4 inhibitors—consisted of 85,015 patients, matched with similar characteristics to reduce bias. 'This trial raises an intriguing hypothesis: that the increasingly popular GLP-1 medications used to treat diabetes and obesity might offer some benefit in reducing the risk of developing cancer,' said Dr. Robin Zon, president of ASCO. 'Though this trial does not establish causation, it hints that these drugs might have a preventative effect. Future research is needed to validate these findings, including in patients who do not have diabetes.' Obesity, Diabetes, and Cancer Risk Obesity is a common risk factor for at least 14 types of cancer, including cancers of the esophagus, colon, rectum, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, post-menopausal breast, ovary, endometrium, thyroid, as well as multiple myeloma and meningiomas, according to ASCO. With the prevalence of obesity and diabetes rising, more people are being prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists. Up to 12 percent of Americans are using such medications, according to the study and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Related Stories 2/21/2025 4/11/2025 GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and fullness, helping patients lose weight and control blood sugar. However, the medication can cause side effects such as nausea and stomach pain, and it does not work for everyone. Gender Differences and Next Steps The study found that the protective effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists was most evident in women, who experienced an 8 percent lower risk of obesity-related cancer and a 20 percent lower risk of death from any cause compared to women on DPP-4 inhibitors. The difference was not statistically significant in men, however, and researchers said they could not explain the gender disparity. Lead author Mavromatis highlighted a need for further research on GLP-1 receptor agonists. 'Our results suggest they may modestly cut the chance of developing certain cancers—especially cancers of the colon and rectum—and reduce rates of death due to all causes. These data are reassuring, but more studies are required to prove causation,' he said in the press release. The research team plans to continue monitoring patients for longer periods and hopes to study the cancer risk for people who take such agonists but do not have diabetes. The study was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health and will be presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago from May 30 to June 3. From
