DPP-4 inhibitors linked to inflammatory bowel disease

[DCUK NewsBot]

A link has been found between a type 2 diabetes drug class and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a new Canadian study. Researchers from McGill University say dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4), also known as gliptins, were associated with a greater risk of developing inflamed bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. A relatively new drug class, DPP-4 inhibitors help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The drugs include Januvia (sitagliptin), Galvus (vildagliptin), Onglyza (saxagliptin) and Tradjenta (linagliptin). They may be prescribed to people who have not been able to achieve low enough blood sugar levels on metformin and lifestyle change alone. The research involved more than 141,000 adults who had started taking diabetes drugs between 2007 and 2016. Those who were taking insulin or had already suffered from a form of IBD were excluded from the trial. Throughout the three-and-a-half year study period a total of 208 new cases of IBD were identified, with DPP-4 inhibitor use linked to a 75% increased risk of developing an inflammatory bowel condition. Despite the findings, researchers have said the risk is still relatively low. They concluded: "Although our findings need to be replicated, physicians should be aware of this possible association and perhaps refrain from prescribing DPP-4 inhibitors for people at high risk, such as those with a family history of disease or with known autoimmune conditions." They also said the findings were only observational and they could not rule out unmeasured factors that may have influenced the results. Previous studies have also shown DPP-4 inhibitors can aid weight loss as they reduce appetite. Side effects linked with the drugs include possible increase in risks of pancreatitis and joint pains. In 2015, Diabetes.co.uk launched the Low Carb Program which has helped many people with type 2 diabetes to lose weight, improve blood glucose levels and reduce their dependency on diabetes medication. The findings have been published in The BMJ.

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[ickihun]

I wouldn't be surprised.

However diet can make a difference but no advice other than a note to say "eat a balanced diet".
Low carb isn't classed as a balanced diet.

So thousands like myself used sitagliptin trusting it's safety.
Is no diabetes drugs safe? Metformin is safe. Well no evidence to say only good results for overall health.
So gliptins are now being questioned for IBD and other similiar conditions on these drug's use.

I'd love low carbing to stop all med needs but I didn't find that the case for me. I needed more meds for metabolic syndrome.
Weight loss is the only way to avoid more diabetic meds.
If low carb diet helps you becoming obese or you lose so no longer obese then it is the diet I'd recommend.
I only lost weight when I reduced fat and carbs. Used enough insulin to keep in the lower range of bgs throughout, long term.

However, I am on insulin.
Maybe those not may lose weight easier on low carb which are those on these gliptins meds.
I don't know anyone on insulin and a gliptin but SGLT-2s may have replaced them?

I'm back off metformin due to loose tummy... again.
It's insulin or nothing for me. Until I get more settled with the IBS or whatever it is!!!!!

If sitagliptin has damaged my system and spoilt me being able to use metformin again... I will be very angry as Metformin has done so much for my body to date. 2 healthy babies especially from suppressed PCOS.

Maybe gliptin meds can be used for something other than diabetes. You find drug manufacturers have to try and recoup their money back somehow.