Researchers: Kevin Yarasheski In patients infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a diabetes drug may have benefits which go beyond lowering blood sugar. Researchers have found that the medicine also works to reduce heart disease and stroke risk in HIV patients. People with HIV have an elevated risk of heart attacks and diabetes, and problems with glucose, insulin and cholesterol. Part of what drives that risk is chronic inflammation.
In the new study, the researchers found that the diabetes drug sitagliptin (brand name Januvia) both improved metabolism and reduced inflammation in HIV-positive adults taking antiretroviral therapy. According to principal investigator Kevin Yarasheski, professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis"With sitagliptin, sugar levels fell, and several markers of immune activation and inflammation were reduced, indicating…
