Long-term diabetes medication adherence linked to lower heart attack and stroke risk
Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Many people with type 2 diabetes are prescribed blood sugar-lowering medication to reduce this risk. However, not everyone takes their medication consistently, and that inconsistency could leave them more exposed.
A study from the University of Copenhagen found that taking long-term diabetes medication consistently lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 80,000 adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes who started taking noninsulin medication between 2005 and 2012.
Over a 10-year period, they compared three adherence patterns: high, moderate, and low. People with low adherence were 27% more likely to experience major cardiovascular events than those who took their medication consistently. The risk of ischemic heart disease was 45% higher for those with low adherence, and stroke risk was 24% higher.
Younger adults faced a 73% higher rate of cardiovascular events before age 55 with low adherence. The study highlights the importance of offering personalized support early in diabetes treatment to help patients adhere to their medication and reduce cardiovascular risks.
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