28.6.11

Arthritis & psoriasis medications - reduced diabetes risk

Common rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis medications are associated with reduced diabetes risk

Common Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis Medications Are Associated With Reduced Diabetes Risk

ScienceDaily (June 22, 2011) — Individuals with systemic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis, experience a 1.5 to 2-fold increased rate of cardiovascular disease. Previous research suggests that inflammation and insulin resistance, linked with these conditions, likely accelerate the development of cardiovascular risk and diabetes. Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) sought to determine whether commonly used disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are directed against inflammation, might reduce the risk for developing diabetes in patients with RA or psoriasis.

They found that among patients with RA or psoriasis, the risk for developing diabetes was lower for those patients who started TNF inhibitor or hydroxychloroquine.

Their findings are published in the June 22/29, 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.