A British Medical Journal (BMJ) investigation into two classes of type 2 diabetes
drugs has prompted headlines in the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claims, 'Diabetes drugs taken by thousands linked to cancer of the pancreas and other serious health problems,' going on to allege that drug manufacturers may be trying to hide potentially harmful side effects.
It is important to stress that there is no evidence of any legal or regulatory wrongdoing by any of the drug companies mentioned in the BMJ article.
The BMJ investigation focused on two relatively new classes of type 2 diabetes drugs collectively known as "incretin mimetics". There are two main types of incretin mimetic:
As both types of drugs act on the pancreas, concerns have been raised that they may also have adverse effects on the organ. The article discusses these concerns and the evidence behind them.
This evidence includes the results of animal studies and reports from medicines regulatory agencies which suggest that the drugs may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) and could also lead to cancerous changes in the tissue of the pancreas, triggering pancreatic cancer.
From the evidence discussed, it does appear that there may be an increased risk of these drugs having adverse effects, but further safety studies are needed to confirm this.
People may be reassured that the bodies that regulate medication are aware of the potential risks and will be carefully reviewing the safety of these drugs.
For now, anyone with diabetes who has concerns about their treatment should speak with the healthcare professionals involved in their care.
The risk to your health of suddenly stopping treatment for type 2 diabetes are likely to far outweigh any potential risk of harm to your pancreas.
The newspaper claims, 'Diabetes drugs taken by thousands linked to cancer of the pancreas and other serious health problems,' going on to allege that drug manufacturers may be trying to hide potentially harmful side effects.
It is important to stress that there is no evidence of any legal or regulatory wrongdoing by any of the drug companies mentioned in the BMJ article.
The BMJ investigation focused on two relatively new classes of type 2 diabetes drugs collectively known as "incretin mimetics". There are two main types of incretin mimetic:
- glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, such as exenatide, which help boost insulin production while decreasing blood sugar levels – the drug also has the added benefit of leading to modest weight loss
- dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4), such as sitagliptin, which block the effects of an enzyme that can have a harmful impact on blood sugar levels
As both types of drugs act on the pancreas, concerns have been raised that they may also have adverse effects on the organ. The article discusses these concerns and the evidence behind them.
This evidence includes the results of animal studies and reports from medicines regulatory agencies which suggest that the drugs may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) and could also lead to cancerous changes in the tissue of the pancreas, triggering pancreatic cancer.
From the evidence discussed, it does appear that there may be an increased risk of these drugs having adverse effects, but further safety studies are needed to confirm this.
People may be reassured that the bodies that regulate medication are aware of the potential risks and will be carefully reviewing the safety of these drugs.
For now, anyone with diabetes who has concerns about their treatment should speak with the healthcare professionals involved in their care.
The risk to your health of suddenly stopping treatment for type 2 diabetes are likely to far outweigh any potential risk of harm to your pancreas.
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