Search for Better Diabetes Therapy Falls Short

Two new diabetes studies have failed to support new methods for treatment and prevention of the disease, and instead reinforce current strategies. 

One study, called Accord, involved 4,733 patients and had an average 4.7 years of follow-up. The study found that lowering blood pressure to below-recommendation levels did not decrease the risk of death, heart attack, and stroke in people with diabetes. Researchers found that the drug fenofibrate (Tricor) also did not prevent such events, despite the drug’s effectiveness at lowering triglycerides. The second report, called Navigator, found that the drug nateglinide (Starlix) did not prevent the development of diabetes in people at high-risk of the disease. In the same study, the blood-pressure drug valsartan (Diovan) reduced the risk of diabetes development somewhat; however, neither medication significantly lowered the risk of heart-related deaths and cardiovascular events. Results from both studies were revealed at the American College of Cardiology annual scientific meeting on Sunday, and they are featured in four different papers published online in the New England Journal of Medicine. Though the results are disappointing, they also support the current diabetes treatment guidelines as well as the importance of physical exercise and a healthy diet.

Wall Street Journal (03/15/10) P. A5