### Can Taking Common Painkillers Like Ibuprofen Increase the Risk of Heart Failure in People with Type 2 Diabetes? Researchers have found that people with type 2 diabetes already have a higher risk of heart failure compared to the general population. New studies suggest that taking common painkillers like ibuprofen (found in Advil and Motrin) can increase this risk even further. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for a short period was linked to first-time hospitalization for heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes. NSAIDs are known to carry cardiovascular risks and are usually not recommended for people with known heart disease. This study suggests that it might be wise to extend this caution to people with type 2 diabetes, even if they don't have a heart disease diagnosis. In a Danish study involving over 330,000 individuals with type 2 diabetes, about 1 in 6 people filled at least one NSAID prescription within a year. The study found that NSAID use was associated with a 40% higher risk of first-time heart failure hospitalization. The risk was particularly higher with ibuprofen and diclofenac, but not with celecoxib and naproxen, possibly due to the smaller number of people using these drugs. Even without a previous heart failure diagnosis, NSAIDs may pose a risk for people with type 2 diabetes. Cardiologists have long advised against NSAID use in patients with established heart failure due to the risk of kidney failure or worsening heart failure. This study extends those concerns to people with type 2 diabetes. NSAIDs are commonly used to relieve pain from headaches, back pain, and arthritis. However, given the higher risk of heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes, these medications could be even more harmful to this group. Patients with diabetes and other cardiovascular conditions should be educated about the risks of over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any new medication, even common ones, to understand the potential risks and benefits. While more research is needed, people with diabetes, especially those taking other cardiac medications, might want to avoid NSAIDs altogether. Alternative pain relief methods and non-pharmacologic therapies should be considered.