Updated at: 12/07/2009 6:13 PM

Medical Minute: Diabetes Drug

It is a devilish paradox: diabetes patients face an increased risk for heart disease and death due to their blood sugar problems, but the medications to treat the blood sugar disorder may raise heart risk even more . Currently there is a lot of debate about the most effective and safest drugs to take.

A new study suggests that one class of medications, called the sulphonylureas, may have more risk than other types of pills. Researchers in the UK examined more than 90,000 seniors with diabetes. They found patients taking drugs such as Dymelor, Amaryl, or Glynase had up to a 60% greater risk for premature death compared to those taking a different type of pill called metformin. The researchers say the results suggest that metformin should be the first drug of choice, but not all experts agree -- the findings must first be confirmed in independent studies. Patients should NOT stop ANY drugs without talking to a doctor. If you have concerns, ask your doctor if your current medications are the best ones for you.