Table of Contents
I. Cardiovascular Risks in Type 2 Diabetes
II. How Jardiance Improves Heart Health
III. Clinical Studies on Jardiance and Heart Health
IV. The Future of Jardiance and Cardiovascular Health
Diabetes is a serious chronic condition that requires diligent management. If blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled, diabetes can wreak havoc on many areas of health, especially cardiovascular wellness. [1] The close relationship between diabetes and heart issues means that medications able to address both high blood sugar and heart risks are essential.
One emerging diabetes drug showing significant promise for heart health is Jardiance. In this article, we’ll explore how diabetes impacts heart health, how Jardiance works to benefit the heart, and what the future may hold for this innovative medication.
Cardiovascular Risks in Type 2 Diabetes
As someone living with type 2 diabetes, it's important to understand the increased risk of cardiovascular disease that comes with this condition. Unfortunately, diabetes and heart disease often go hand in hand, with individuals being twice as likely to experience heart disease or stroke compared to those without diabetes. This risk only increases the longer you have diabetes. [1]
There are several types of cardiovascular disease that people with type 2 diabetes are at risk of. Shockingly, at least 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes die from these complications. [2]
- Ischemic heart disease
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Coronary artery disease
- Peripheral artery disease [2]
Several factors contribute to the increased cardiovascular risks in type 2 diabetes.
- High blood sugar over many years can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart.
- High blood pressure stresses artery walls and makes heart disease more likely. Having both diabetes and high blood pressure escalates your risk.
- Too much “bad” cholesterol (LDL) can build up on injured blood vessel walls and restrict blood flow.
- Obesity is common in type 2 diabetes and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Losing weight can lessen cardiovascular disease risk and improve diabetes control. [1]
How Jardiance Improves Heart Health
Jardiance was initially approved by the FDA in 2014 to help control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, researchers soon discovered that Jardiance offers benefits beyond just glycemic control. In recent years, the FDA has approved Jardiance for reducing the risks of heart disease-related death and for treating heart failure. [3]
Jardiance works by blocking a protein called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 or SGLT2 in the kidneys. This protein is responsible for reabsorbing glucose from the urine. By inhibiting SGLT2, Jardiance allows more glucose to be excreted in the urine, which helps lower blood sugar levels. [4]
Interestingly, scientists found that Jardiance also blocks SGLT2 in the heart. This unique property allows Jardiance to provide several heart health benefits.
- Diuretic effect: Jardiance acts as a diuretic, helping the body excrete excess sodium and water. This reduces fluid buildup and eases the strain on the heart.
- Cardiac remodeling: Jardiance promotes beneficial structural changes in the heart that can reverse enlargement and improve pumping efficiency.
- Improved energy use: Jardiance helps the heart utilize alternative energy sources, which may enhance the heart muscle’s function and resilience.
- Reduced blood pressure: Jardiance can lower blood pressure, alleviating stress on the heart and blood vessels. [4]
Clinical Studies on Jardiance and Heart Health
Jardiance (empagliflozin) has been making waves in the medical community for its ability to improve heart health for patients with and without type 2 diabetes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed data from several major clinical trials demonstrating these cardiovascular benefits.
The Effect of Jardiance on Cardiovascular Risk in Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
In a multinational, multicenter trial conducted in 2015, researchers investigated the impact of Jardiance on the cardiovascular risk faced by adult patients with type 2 diabetes. The study focused on comparing the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between patients taking Jardiance and those receiving a placebo, a medication with no active effects. [5] Let's dive into the details of this significant trial:
- The study involved a total of 7,020 patients who were closely monitored over 3.1 years.
- All patients had inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- Patients were randomly assigned to receive either once-daily Jardiance (in doses of either 10 mg or 25 mg) or a placebo.
- The study evaluated the time for the first occurrence of MACE, which was defined as a cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or a non-fatal stroke. [5]
At the end of the trial, research found positive results in the group treated with Jardiance:
- A lower risk of MACE incidence in the group treated with Jardiance.
- 38% relative risk reduction of death from cardiovascular causes.
- 35% relative risk reduction of hospitalization for heart failure.
- 32% relative risk reduction of death from any cause. [5]
Overall, the study showed that Jardiance resulted in fewer heart-related complications and reduced mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. [5]
The Effect of Jardiance on Heart Failure in Adults
In 2020, a study was conducted to evaluate the potential benefits of Jardiance in patients with chronic heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 40%. [6] We’ve included details of the trial below:
- The trial included a total of 3,730 patients who were followed for 16 months.
- Patients were either treated with Jardiance 10 mg or a placebo once daily.
- Only 50% of the participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
- The study evaluated the time to cardiovascular death or hospitalization for worsening heart failure. [6]
At the end of the trial, research found positive results in the group treated with Jardiance:
- The incidence of cardiovascular death and hospitalization due to heart failure was lower in the Jardiance group compared to the placebo group (19.5% versus 24.7% incidence).
- This benefit was seen regardless of whether the patients also had diabetes. [6]
Overall, the study found that Jardiance usage led to a lower risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure than those in the placebo group, regardless of the presence or absence of diabetes. [6]
The Future of Jardiance and Cardiovascular Health
As we look to the future of cardiovascular health, many promising advancements are on the horizon. From new uses of Jardiance to the rise of precision medicine, patients have much to look forward to in terms of improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart conditions.
The Future of Jardiance
Jardiance has proven itself to be remarkably versatile. Its ability to treat heart failure, in addition to diabetes, demonstrates how existing drugs can be repurposed to address unmet medical needs. Ongoing studies are exploring Jardiance's benefits further and testing its potential for other cardiovascular conditions. [7]
One promising trial completed in 2023 examined whether Jardiance can prevent heart failure in people who have already suffered a heart attack. The results are expected soon and could reveal another use for this ground-breaking medication. [7]
Precision Medicine
Precision medicine utilizes clinical testing, electronic records, genetics, and big data to create customized health profiles. These profiles allow providers to pinpoint optimal, personalized interventions while minimizing risk. [8]
Precision medicine represents the future of cardiovascular care. Heart conditions often develop gradually and can be influenced by genetics. Precision tools that enable prevention, early diagnosis, and tailored treatment aim to revolutionize cardiovascular disease management. [9]
Precision medicine is an emerging field, with many technologies still in development. Studies are also limited by ethical, legal, and economic considerations. However, the potential is immense. [9]
Conclusion
Jardiance marks a significant step forward in Type 2 diabetes treatment. Not only does it effectively control blood sugar levels, but it also offers significant cardiovascular benefits. Extensive clinical studies have consistently highlighted its potential in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events and heart failure in individuals with and without diabetes.
To learn more about Jardiance, visit our dedicated Jardiance blog.
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