A large study published in BMJ Medicine finds that the benefits of certain diabetes medications decline rapidly if treatment is stopped.
As early as six months after discontinuation, the risk of heart problems begins to rise again, CNN reports.
The study is based on data from nearly 333,000 patients with type 2 diabetes in the United States.
Patients treated with so-called GLP-1 drugs were compared with those receiving another type of medication.
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Patients who continued treatment for several years had a lower risk of blood clots, stroke, and death.
Stopping treatment early
The findings are consistent with previous research, including the SELECT study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, which also showed fewer serious cardiovascular events among patients receiving treatment.
Researchers believe the medication works in multiple ways. Weight loss plays a role, but there may also be a direct effect of the drugs on the heart.
At the same time, many patients discontinue treatment early. About half stop within a year, according to AJMC, often due to side effects or high costs, as shown in a study published in Obesity.
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The risk returns
When treatment stops, the risk gradually returns.
After six months, a modest increase is observed, which grows over time. After one and a half to two years, most of the benefits have nearly disappeared.
This means the protective effect does not persist without continued treatment.
Sources: CNN, BMJ Medicine, The New England Journal of Medicine, AJMC, and Obesity.
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