I know I sound like a broken record, but I thought a quick note on this was important. Regular readers understand that I have serious issues with the medical management of diabetes in this country. High on the list of concern is the rapid uptake of the new drugs that affect the actions of a hormone called GLP-1.
Byetta, Victoza and Januvia are three brand name drugs that mimic or interfere with our body’s own GLP-1 levels. There have been serious concerns over thyroid cancer, but if this isn’t enough, this particular study raises new concerns that I had not been aware of.
Health concerns raised include:
- 57% increased risk for asthenia (loss of muscle strength)
- 37% increased risk of cardiac problems (keeping in mind that most diabetics die of cardiovascular related causes)
- 74% increased risk of vascular disorders
Vascular disorders?? Ugh!! Vascular problems is where heart disease and stroke begins.
Personally, I think I’ll stick with diet and exercise.