The trial of 7,599 symptomatic heart failure patients who had no previous diagnosis of diabetes provides statistically significant evidence that Atacand can reduce the risk of diabetes in this patient population.
Atacand (candesartan cilexetil), an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), is indicated for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure and is not indicated for the prevention of new onset diabetes.
“Diabetes is a serious and common risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease that may result in heart failure. The two conditions are increasing in prevalence and are associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity,” said lead investigator Dr Salim Yusuf, professor of medicine at McMaster University, Canada.
This analysis adds to the body of literature on ARBs and diabetes, although the investigators are aware that the data cannot be considered conclusive. This continues to be an area of active investigation.