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These Diabetes Drugs Can Cause Heart Attack, Stroke: Check If You Are Taking Them Regularly 

Are you taking these drugs for your diabetes? beware! it may up your risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Written by Satata Karmakar | Updated : September 29, 2021 10:53 AM IST

Beware! Taking These Diabetes Drugs May Affect Your Heart

India is deemed as the capital of diabetes. According to the statistics, the diabetic population of the country is expected to hit 69.9 million by 2025 and 80 million by 2030. The numbers are scary, isn’t it? Diabetes is a chronic lifestyle condition that has increased alarmingly across all age groups. Be it young people or older adults, Diabetes can be found in almost all age groups these days. All thanks to the unhealthy lifestyle and poor eating habits that the new generation is following these days. Let’s understand more about it and how the drugs used for the condition is increasing heart attack risks among the patients.

Are Diabetic Medicines Dangerous For The Heart?

There are two commonly used drugs for the patients diagnosed with type-2 diabetes which was found to be effective in lowering down the blood sugar level. However, a study has suggested that the same drugs are also capable of increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Also Read - 7 Unusual Ways High Blood Pressure Can Affect Your Kidneys

Which Diabetic Drugs Are Worse For The Heart?

Type-2 Diabetes drugs — Sulfonylureas and Basal insulin has been found to be damaging the heart to the level where it can lead to sudden heart failure and heart attacks. According to the researchers, the drug Sulfonylureas can cause the body to release more insulin. These drugs are the second-line medication after metformin, which is used widely across the globe for treating Type-2 diabetes.

Where Was The Study Published?

The study was published in the journal JAMA Network Open, showed that all those patients who are diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes and had taken one of the two drugs mentioned above were found to be 36% at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases than others who were not administered the medicines. “The study participants were aged 45 to 64, and the average follow-up time was 1.3 years. The diabetic drug Sulfonylureas was found to be associated with almost 36% higher odds of complications, while the other diabetes drug basal insulin was found to be linked with nearly twice the risk of heart disease and stroke complications,” the researchers were quoted as saying. Also Read - Mental Health And Menstrual Health: Expert Explains The Connection

Warning Symptoms Of Heart Disease You Shouldn't Miss

Heart diseases can turn fatal if not treated on time. The important thing here is to note that spotting the symptoms early is necessary to avert the complications of heart diseases. Here are some of the warning signs you should never miss — palpitation, sweating, difficulty in breathing, chronic chest pain, headaches, uneven heartbeat, etc.

Diabetes And Risk Of Heart Diseases

People with diabetes are always known to be more likely to have an ailing heart which requires some attention. A diabetic patient is more likely to suffer from a high risk of heart disease which is due to the high blood force through the arteries that eventually damages the artery walls. According to the doctors having both high blood pressure and diabetes together can thus increase a person’s risk for fatal heart diseases. Also Read - Bile Stones: What Happens To Your Body When You Ignore The Symptoms

How To Keep Your Heart Healthy When You Are A Diabetic?

Keeping your heart healthy and happy is very important especially when you are suffering from diabetes. Some smart lifestyle changes and diet can help the patients incredibly. Experts suggest keeping these dietary guidelines in mind can work wonders for diabetes patients to keep the heart healthy — add 5 or more fruits and vegetables to your plate daily. Keep your plate versatile, add whole grains such as bread, cereals, etc. Also, add more legumes and beans to your diet.