### Cardiovascular Risks of Avandia (Rosiglitazone) for Type 2 Diabetes A recent study has confirmed that Avandia, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, is linked to an increased risk of heart problems. According to Dr. Joshua Wallach, an assistant professor at the Yale School of Public Health, numerous studies have shown that Avandia is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular issues, particularly heart failure. In the latest analysis, researchers examined data from 136 clinical trials to determine the impact of Avandia on heart attacks, heart failure, heart-related deaths, and deaths from other causes. This analysis included detailed records from 33 trials conducted by the drug's manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline. The findings revealed that individuals taking Avandia were 33% more likely to experience heart attacks, heart failure, or death from heart-related issues or other causes. The most concerning evidence was found for heart failure, with a 54% increased risk for those taking Avandia. While the analysis also indicated a 17% higher risk of heart attacks, the evidence was less robust. The risk appeared lower when combining data from the 33 trials with raw data and 103 additional trials without individual patient-level data. Dr. Wallach emphasized the importance of using raw data from individual patients in clinical trials to understand the safety of medications. Unfortunately, the complete safety picture for Avandia has emerged too late, as the drug is no longer available in Europe and is rarely prescribed in the United States. For people with type 2 diabetes, there are many alternative treatment options. Dr. Deborah Wexler from the Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Center recommends lifestyle modifications such as eliminating sugary beverages, eating a balanced diet, aiming to lose 5-7% of body weight, and increasing physical activity. If lifestyle changes are insufficient, medications like metformin and other glucose-lowering drugs are available. SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Jardiance and Invokana, may help manage cardiovascular health or reduce the risk of heart disease in high-risk individuals, though they also have potential side effects. Given the risks associated with Avandia, there is little reason to use it today.