Gliptins and Glitazones Aren't Associated with Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetics

The oral glucose-lowering drug classes known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (gliptins) and thiazolidinediones (glitazones) have been associated with excess risk for heart failure (HF). In this cohort study (470,000 patients with type 2 diabetes), researchers examined associations between these drugs and risks for cardiovascular (CV) disease, HF, and all-cause death. Participants had not used gliptins, glitazones, or insulin during the 12 months before the start of the study.

During 8 years, 58% of patients received ≥1 prescriptions for glucose-lowering drugs. In adjusted analyses, any gliptin use (alone or in combination other glucose-lowering drugs), compared with nonuse, was associated with significantly lower risks for all-cause dea…