Ray of Hope for Diabetes Treatment

A new second-line drug named linagliptin, may prove beneficial for type 2 diabetes patients, who do not respond to metformin. The study published in The Lancet promises treatment for diabetics, but also cautions them of developing a risk of cardiovascular health problems, such as heart attack and stroke.

Metformin, the most widely used medication for diabetes treatment, may be ineffective for some diabetics due to existing medical conditions or hormonal abnormalities. Diabetics not yielding positive results out of metformin dosage are usually offered an additional drug named ‘sulphonylureas’. Health experts don’t advise sulphonylureas dosage as it can lead to health concerns (hypoglycaemia, low blood sugar levels, weight gain, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke).

Linagliptin belongs to the category of DPP-4 inhibitors or gliptins that block dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme that gets mixed up in glucose. Its dosage increases the amount of insulin in glucose. Although, the drug is in its testing phase, researchers have been able to find reliable evidence of linagliptin carrying less cardiac risk in comparison with others drugs, such as glimepiride.