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Update on the Safety of Thiazolidinediones

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Abstract

Diabetic patients are at increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease, and they constitute a large proportion of the global cardiovascular disease burden. Although multiple drugs exist for treating the hyperglycemia associated with diabetes, few have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. Great hope surrounded the arrival of the thiazolidinediones—drugs that favorably affect insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and some aspects of lipid profiles in diabetic patients. However, the cardiovascular effects of these agents are varied, and studies have suggested that they may be associated with increases in ischemic heart disease and heart failure, as well as with an increased risk for bone fracture. The following article provides a summary of important studies that have been published regarding the safety profiles of these agents. Findings from two recently published trials, RECORD and BARI 2D, are emphasized in this paper.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as follows: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Disclosure

Dr. McCall has received grant funding from Sanofi-Aventis, and has spoken for Merck and for Amylin/Lilly. No other potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Strelitz Diabetes Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 855 West Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23510, USA

    David C. Lieb

  2. Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Box 801407, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA

    Anthony L. McCall

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Correspondence to David C. Lieb.

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Lieb, D.C., McCall, A.L. Update on the Safety of Thiazolidinediones. Curr Diab Rep 10, 116–123 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-010-0099-1

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