News 2 Medical Report Arthritis Drug Treats Diabetes

It is likely if you live within the Tri-Couty area, you or someone you know is diabetic. The condition has changed this community significantly. But there is encouraging news. Researchers are now testing the use of an anti-inflammatory medication, called salsalate. Salsalate is a chemical cousin of aspirin and it’s currently approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions. In diabetes, salsalate appears to shut off the protein that causes inflammation. Allison Goldfine, M.D., Clinical Research Director at Joslin, says two earlier studies have found patients taking the drug had improved markers of inflammation and lower fasting blood sugar levels. The investigators say salsalate may help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. In a more recent study, the researchers found salsalate may also be useful in treating patients who already have type 2 diabetes.

Researchers are now testing the usefulness of salsalate for treating Diabetes in a wider clinical trial. Another study will look at the drug’s effects on atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries. Hopefully, reducing the markers of inflammation will decrease plaque build-up and decrease the risk for cardiovascular complications from diabetes.

Side effects of salsalate include hearing problems, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), nausea, rash and vertigo. Health experts say non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, like salsalate, are also associated with an increased risk for ulcers or stomach bleeding.