Diabetes medications linked to increased cancer and infection risks

Recent medical studies have identified specific health risks associated with common type 2 diabetes medications.

Research utilizing Medicare claims data from 2013 to 2020 indicates that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) may be linked to increased risks of certain cancers. Specifically, when compared to SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1RA users showed an increased risk of kidney cancer. When compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i), GLP-1RA users showed a significantly elevated risk of endometrial cancer.

Separately, a systematic review of clinical trials and observational studies involving over 77,000 participants found that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are associated with a higher incidence of genital infections. The review noted that SGLT2i users faced a 1.6 to 2.75-fold increased risk of vulvovaginal candidiasis in randomized controlled trials, while observational data suggested approximately a 3-fold increased risk compared to DPP-4 inhibitor users.