March 15th, 2010

Novartis Drugs Don’t Prevent Type 2 Diabetes? A recent study shows that two drugs by Novartis AG fail to prevent type 2 diabetes.  The drugs are said to cause problems with sugar metabolism. The study was performed by the New England Journal of Medicine.

The research involved two drugs from Novartis, Diovan and Starlix.  These drugs are given to Type 2 diabetes patients to control their illness.

Approximately 9,300 overweight people were studied, and Starlix was not shown to prevent the rate of developing type 2 diabetes while taking the drug.  In addition, the drug didn’t prevent cardiovascular death, stroke, or heart attack or heart failure.

Diovan fared a bit better, and appears to help 14% of patients prevent type 2 diabetes, although it did not seem to help the cardiovascular side effects of this type of ailment.

150 million people have diabetes worldwide, and the number is said to increase by 50% by 2025. 

Although many people still have diabetes that live healthy lifestyles, preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes can be accomplished in many patients by eating a well balanced diet and excersizing 3-5 times a week.

Of course, everyone needs to speak with their doctor before making changes to his or her lifestyle.  A doctor will be able to help you determine the best course of action for you and guide you along the way.

Source:

Web MD

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

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