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Diabetes Drugs Increase Risk of Fractures

Certain drugs used to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes my unexpectedly increase the risk of broken bones. An analysis of records from more than 80,000 patients in British Columbia, Canada, shows that both Avandia and Actos are associated with a 28 percent higher likelihood of broken arms or legs than older medicines such as glyburide. The risk was highest among women taking Actos, who had 77 percent more limb fractures. Men were also susceptible but to a lesser degree. The scientists conclude, “in the absence of mitigating clinical benefits, mounting evidence of harm should discourage physicians from prescribing those drugs.”
[Archives of Internal Medicine, August 10/24, 2009]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/169/15/1395?home

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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