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