Researchers at the University of Dundee believe a new class of anti-diabetes drugs could also be used to treat heart disease.
Diabetes and heart disease are frequently seen together and anti-diabetic medications that lower blood sugar levels have been shown to improve some markers of cardiovascular disease, however there has yet to be conclusive evidence showing a reduction in rates of heart attacks and death.
Recent research has found a new class of diabetic drug – called SGLT2 inhibitors – reduces the rates of hospitalisation for heart failure and death due to cardiovascular causes among diabetic patients.
Now researchers at Dundee, led by Professor Chim Lang, are conducting trials in the world’s first attempt to study the effects of these drugs on the cardiovascular system.
“This class of anti-diabetes drugs shows considerable potential to be a treatment for heart disease, with strong indicators of beneficial effects for cardiovascular patients,” said Professor Lang.
Patients wishing to volunteer for the studies should contact Lynn Rutherford on 01382 383254 or via l.rutherford@dundee.ac.uk.
