Diabetes drugs

Almost a decade ago, a new wave of diabetes drugs hit the pharmacies, with promises to lower blood-sugar levels. Yet they failed to alleviate the scariest statistic for Type 2 diabetes sufferers – half of them will die from cardiovascular complications, with those odds rising to 70 per cent by 65.

Last year, two new drugs showed signs of slashing those mortality rates. Empagliflozin modifies the progression of heart disease by working with the kidney, while liraglutide has a comprehensive effect on many organs.

In light of these results, a distinguished panel of doctors and researchers, assembled by the Cleveland Clinic in the US, predicts that, this year, there will be a total shift in the line-up of drugs prescribed for diabetes – as well as a wave of research into new avenues targeting

Type 2 diabetes and its related diseases.