Article Body
Heart Risks Surface for Common US Diabetes Drug Glipizide, Landmark Study Reveals
New Delhi, July 26 (IANS): In a revelation with national health implications, a new study by researchers at Mass General Brigham has found that Glipizide, one of the most commonly prescribed type 2 diabetes medications in the United States, is associated with a significantly higher rate of heart-related conditions than other drugs in its class.
Widespread Medication, Widespread Concern
The research, published in JAMA Network Open this week, rigorously examined health data from nearly 48,165 adults with type 2 diabetes and moderate cardiovascular risk across the US. Each participant was already being treated with metformin, the standard initial therapy, and required a second-line drug for glucose control.
The results showed that Glipizide — a member of the sulfonylurea drug class — was linked to a 13% higher risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or related death) over five years compared to those taking DPP-4 inhibitors, a newer and more expensive medication category.
Numbers Behind the Headline
-
Major adverse cardiac events rate for Glipizide: 9.1%
-
For DPP-4 inhibitors: 8.1%
-
Relative risk increase: 13% with Glipizide users
The study also compared Glipizide to other sulfonylureas (glimepiride and glyburide), finding a smaller and less definitive effect for these alternatives.
Expert Statements
“Patients with type 2 diabetes are already at heightened risk of adverse cardiovascular incidents,” explained Dr. Alexander Turchin, the study’s lead author and an endocrinologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “While sulfonylureas remain popular due to their low cost and long-standing effectiveness, our findings urge clinicians to seriously consider cardiac risks — not just glycemic control — when making medication decisions.”
Not Immediate Caution, but a Call for Awareness
Importantly, the study does not state that Glipizide directly causes heart events, but highlights a robust association, especially notable as these results were observed in typical, moderate-risk patients — not just those already at high cardiac risk.
The authors emphasize that affordability often drives Glipizide’s popularity, especially in lower-income communities, but urge careful clinical judgment. They recommend that each diabetes drug in a class be judged on its individual risk profile rather than assuming safety by association.
What’s Next for Patients and Doctors?
Doctors are not being asked to pull patients off Glipizide immediately. However, this research is expected to push for more tailored diabetes care that considers heart health as integral in drug selection.
“Glipizide will still be the right choice for some, but these results mean that the discussion around costs, benefits, and risks needs to be even clearer for every patient,” said Marie E. McDonnell, another study author and diabetes specialist.
Transparency and Integrity
The research, sponsored independently, discloses all affiliations and funding sources. Full results are accessible via JAMA Network Open and the official Mass General Brigham newsroom.
Conclusion
As the most widely prescribed sulfonylurea in the US comes under scrutiny, today’s study marks a new chapter in the ongoing debate over balancing affordability, efficacy, and safety in diabetes care. For the millions living with type 2 diabetes, staying informed about medication risks is more vital than ever.
“The heart, after all, is already under pressure in diabetes,” Dr. Turchin concluded. “The right medication should ease that burden — not add to it.”
—
Links: JAMA Network Open - Study Abstract | Mass General Brigham Press Release | Wikipedia: Glipizide