A common diabetes pill that helps regulate blood sugar levels may also offer a major bonus—reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in older adults.
That’s the key finding from a recent study, and now experts are urging the NHS to reconsider its treatment guidelines for diabetes management.
Current NHS recommendations do not differentiate treatment options based on age, but researchers believe that should change.
Given that older adults with diabetes face a much higher risk of heart-related complications, the new evidence suggests that certain medications could offer life-saving benefits.
How These Diabetes Pills Work
The drugs in question are called sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, a class of medications designed to help the body remove excess sugar through the kidneys.
This group includes widely used tablets like empagliflozin and dapagliflozin, both already available through the NHS.
More than four million people in the UK have diabetes, with half of them over 65. Among those aged 85 and older, nearly 15% have the condition.
Since older adults with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to heart failure and strokes, the discovery that SGLT2 inhibitors can help protect the heart is a major breakthrough.
A Study That Could Change Treatment Guidelines
The latest findings come from a meta-analysis conducted by the University of Glasgow, which examined data from 300,000 patients across 600 clinical trials worldwide.
The results showed that older adults taking SGLT2 inhibitors had a significantly lower risk of heart attacks and strokes compared to those on other diabetes treatments.
Dr. Peter Hanlon, a clinical research fellow at the University of Glasgow, emphasized the importance of these results.
“Deciding on the best treatments for older people always requires careful balancing of risks and benefits,” he explained.
“Our findings show that older patients experienced greater benefits from these drugs, particularly in reducing heart attacks and strokes.”
Beyond Diabetes: Additional Health Benefits
The benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors extend beyond blood sugar control.
These drugs have also been shown to slow kidney disease progression, which is another common complication in diabetes patients.
Back in 2021, a trial conducted at Leeds University even found that empagliflozin appeared to strengthen the heart in type 2 diabetes patients.
With mounting evidence supporting the broader benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors, experts argue that age should not be a barrier to accessing these treatments—as long as they are well tolerated and align with a patient’s health priorities.
The Call for Change
Following this study, many in the medical community believe the NHS should update its guidance to encourage the use of SGLT2 inhibitors for older diabetes patients at risk of heart complications.
The hope is that with the right approach, more patients can not only manage their diabetes effectively but also protect their hearts in the process.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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