Diabetes prevention: still no effective drugs

    Prescrire International
    |December 21, 2007
    PubMed

    Insights

    Ramipril did not prevent adverse outcomes in the DREAM trial for patients with impaired glucose tolerance. However, rosiglitazone was associated with cardiac side effects in this large patient group.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Endocrinology
    • Clinical Trials

    Background:

    • Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
    • Interventions to prevent progression and cardiovascular events in IGT patients are crucial.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the efficacy of ramipril in preventing adverse cardiovascular and diabetes-related events in patients with IGT.
    • To assess the safety and cardiac effects of rosiglitazone in the same patient population.

    Main Methods:

    • The DREAM trial was a large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
    • Over 5000 patients with IGT were enrolled and followed for a defined period.

    Main Results:

    • Ramipril demonstrated no significant preventive effect on the primary composite endpoint.
    • Rosiglitazone was associated with an increased incidence of cardiac adverse effects.

    Conclusions:

    • Ramipril is not effective for preventing cardiovascular or diabetes-related events in patients with IGT.
    • The use of rosiglitazone in patients with IGT carries a risk of cardiac adverse events, warranting caution.

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