Massachusetts General Hospital

Meta-analysis examines cardiovascular effects of diabetes medications

27/Oct/2008

The diabetes medication metformin may be associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, according to a meta-analysis of previously published studies in the October 27 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. No associations were found between other diabetes medications and beneficial or harmful cardiovascular effects, in part because of insufficient data, the authors note.

Follow this link to full American Medical Association release: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-10/jaaj-mec102308.php

Scroll down to section about editorial by MGH physician David M. Nathan:

Editorial: Innovative Approaches Needed to Ensure Safety of Diabetes Medications

"Selvin et al noted that, when it comes to choosing the safest oral agents, the quality of the data are problematic," writes David M. Nathan, M.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, in an accompanying editorial.

Media Contacts: Sue McGreevey, smcgreevey@partners.org, (617) 724-2764