My Diabetes Information Blogs
More Side Effects from Popular Drugs
05/07/08
Treatment Options
Some common diabetes medications have not only been associated with congestive heart failure but also with fractures.
According to the study in the Archives of Internal Medicine April 28, patients taking thiazolidinediones for more than a year have an increased risk of fractures independent of age or gender. Researchers from Switzerland examined the records of 1,020 patients who sustained fractures from low trauma incidents not related to falls down steps, or auto accidents. The group taking the diabetes medication was matched with a control group not taking any of the anti-diabetic agents.
Those who had been taking the drug for more than 12 to 18 months were also more likely to have fractures to the wrist, hip, and femur. Fractures in these bones were twice as likely to occur. Researchers determined that a higher dose meant a greater risk of fracture. These results were adjusted for all the usual statistic variables like height, weight, body mass, sex, etc.
Speak with an endocrinologist about the advantages and disadvantages of:
- ActoPLUSMet®
- Duetact®
- Actos®
- Avandia®
These drugs fall into the category of thiazolidinediones, and account for more than 21 percent of the oral anti-diabetic medications used in the United States. So, there’s a good chance you may be on it. Because it has an association with accelerated bone loss, it is especially risky for post-menopausal women who are already at risk for osteoporosis. Men are also susceptible to osteoporosis as they age.
Corie Richter is a nurse and physician's assistant who started her career as a health educator. The survivor of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and partially successful quadruple bypass surgery, she did not let her health challenges hamper her. Neither the limitations of spinal surgery nor of diabetes have deterred her from a mission of service. She now encourages others through writing and speaking engagements to master their disabilities through education and a proactive attitude.