VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 12,
2024 /CNW/ - A study conducted by Arthritis Research
Canada has revealed that certain diabetes medications, specifically
glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RAs) like
semaglutide (Ozempic), reduced the risk of death and heart attacks
in people with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), such
as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus, who also have
type 2 diabetes.
People living with these autoimmune diseases are at a higher
risk of heart problems due to the chronic inflammation associated
with these diseases. When combined with cardiac risk factors like
type 2 diabetes and obesity—both of which involve ongoing low-level
inflammation—these risks increase even further.
While GLP-1-RAs have been shown to lower the risk of serious
heart and stroke complications in the general population with type
2 diabetes, their effects on individuals with autoimmune diseases
have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to compare
the impacts of starting GLP-1-RAs versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4
inhibitors (DPP-4is), like linagliptin (Tradjenta) on the risk of
heart attacks, strokes, and death among patients with various
autoimmune diseases and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers used administrative health data from British Columbia to analyze a group of
patients aged 18 and older with various autoimmune diseases and
type 2 diabetes who initiated either GLP-1-RAs or DPP-4is between
January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2021. The study found that those who
started on GLP-1-RAs had a lower risk of all-cause mortality and
major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes,
compared to those who started on DPP-4is. These findings were
similar among people without the included autoimmune diseases.
"These findings suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may offer a
critical advantage in managing diabetes and cardiovascular risk in
patients with inflammatory arthritis," said Antonio Aviña-Zubieta,
Senior Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada and Principal
Investigator in this study. "Given the increased risk of heart
disease in this population, the study highlights the potential of
GLP-1 receptor agonists as a preferred treatment option for
diabetes, paving the way for improved health outcomes and
longevity."
For more details on this study click here.
ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:
Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis
research institution in North
America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people
impacted by arthritis through patient-centred research and
engagement. Arthritis Research Canada's scientific director, Dr.
Diane Lacaille is leading a team of
over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose life-changing
research is creating a future where people living with arthritis
have the knowledge and tools to triumph over pain and disability.
Arthritis Research Canada is now conducting arthritis research from
coast to coast with centres in British
Columbia, Alberta,
Quebec, and Nova Scotia and scientists affiliated with
seven major universities: University of
British Columbia, Simon Fraser
University, University of
Calgary, Université Laval,
McGill University, Université de
Montréal, and Dalhousie University.
Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at preventing
arthritis, facilitating early diagnosis, finding new and better
treatments, and improving quality of life.
SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada