Study Links Glipizide Use in Type 2 Diabetes Patients to Increased Heart Risks

Recent research from Mass General Brigham has raised concerns regarding the cardiovascular safety of glipizide, a commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 50,000 patients, indicates that individuals treated with glipizide face a significantly higher risk of heart failure and related complications compared to those taking dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.

According to Dr. Alexander Turchin, MD, MS, of the Division of Endocrinology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, the findings are alarming given that patients with type 2 diabetes are already at a heightened risk for cardiovascular events such as stroke and cardiac arrest. The research was published in the JAMA Network Open on July 25, 2025.

"While sulfonylureas like glipizide are popular due to their affordability, there is a notable lack of long-term data on their impact on heart health," Dr. Turchin stated. The study utilized a comprehensive analysis of electronic health records and insurance claims data from the BESTMED consortium, encompassing 48,165 patients with type 2 diabetes who were also diagnosed with moderate cardiovascular risk.

The researchers evaluated the five-year risk of major adverse cardiovascular events among patients who received various sulfonylureas, including glimepiride and glyburide, alongside metformin, a primary diabetes medication. The results showed that glipizide was associated with a 13% increase in cardiovascular risk relative to DPP-4 inhibitors, whereas glimepiride and glyburide had less definitive effects.

Dr. Turchin emphasized the need for further studies to explore the mechanisms behind these findings, stating, "Our study underscores the importance of evaluating each drug in a pharmacological class on its own merits."

The study's co-authors include Marie E. McDonnell, Miguel A. Hernán, and several others from Mass General Brigham, highlighting a collaborative effort in addressing this critical public health issue. Funding for the study came from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

Healthcare professionals and patients are urged to consider these findings when making treatment decisions for type 2 diabetes, particularly in the context of existing cardiovascular risks. As the research progresses, further insights into the safety profiles of diabetes medications could potentially influence prescribing practices and patient outcomes on a wider scale.