People with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin more metformin have a lower risk of death and heart events compared to diabetics treated only with insulin, according to a new study conducted by the University of Cardiff, the United Kingdom.
Directed by Professor Craig Currie, from the University Medicine School, retrospective research analyzed people with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin with or without metformin from the year 2000 onwards.12,020 people were identified from a general practical practical source and the team followed them for three and a half years, from the moment the first insulin is prescribed.
The researchers found that when used together with insulin, metformin has the potential to reduce heart attacks and mortality.They also found that there was no difference in the risk of cancer among individuals treated with insulin as a unique therapy or in combination with metformin.
Professor Currie points out: "Since 1991, the rate of use of insulin in type 2 diabetes has increased more than six times in the United Kingdom. In more recent years, metformin has also been used together with insulin as a treatment."
"Previously, our work showed that high doses of insulin are linked to heart attacks, mortality and cancer. Existing studies have also shown that metformin can attenuate the risks associated with insulin," he explains.
"In this research we analyze the dose of insulin, together with the impact of the combination of insulin with metformin. We found that there was a considerable reduction of deaths and heart problems when this cheap and common drug is used together with insulin," he emphasizes.
"Although this research indicates the potential for the use of these treatments together, more studies are needed to determine the risks and benefits of insulin in type 2 diabetes and the possible benefits associated with the administration of metformin together with insulin," adds theCurrie Professor.
