Metoprolol not tied to clinically relevant high blood sugar in diabetics with HF: Study

USA: Initiation of metoprolol versus carvedilol is not associated with an increase in the risk of clinically relevant hyperglycemia or high blood sugar in older adults with heart failure and diabetes, finds a recent study.

The study findings are published in the journal Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety.

Prior studies have shown metoprolol to be associated with worse glucose control compared to carvedilol. However, it is not unclear whether this is clinically relevant in older adults with diabetes and heart failure. To determine the same, Chintan V. Dave, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA, and colleagues conducted a US retrospective cohort study that utilized data from a 50% national sample of Medicare fee-for-service claims of patients with Part D prescription drug coverage (2007–2017).

The researchers identified initiators of metoprolol or carvedilol among patients with diabetes and heart failure. They were 1:1 propensity score matched on >90 variables.

The primary outcome was the initiation of a new oral or injectable antidiabetic medication (proxy for uncontrolled diabetes). Secondary outcomes included insulin initiation and severe hyperglycemic event (composite of emergency room visits or hospitalizations related to hyperglycemia).