Loading...
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death in patients with diabetes. Two common classes of drugs used in treating type 2 diabetes are sulfonylureas and metformin. Their impact on cardiovascular outcomes is not well known. Using a database from the national Veterans Health Administration, researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing the effects of sulfonylureas and metformin on the composite endpoint of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, or death.
Among 253,690 patients (97% men; 75% white), metformin was prescribed in 61% and sulfonylureas in 39% (55% glyburide; 45% glipizide). Those who used both medications, rosiglitazone, or pioglitazone were excluded. Differences between the metformin and sulfonylurea g…