Kenneth Miller
09/26/08
http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2008/09/25/hscout619724.html
3:36 PM
In studies conducted this week, blood pressure medication candesartan can lower risk and severity of retinopathy for those with diabetes. Those part of the study suggest using the drug on those with type 1 diabetes to help prevent development of retinopathy. It was also suggested to be used on type 2 victims who have established retinopathy and are hypertensive. The additional benefits from all other blood pressure agents make it a valued choice. Diabetic retinopathy is a blinding illness linked to diabetes and the change of retinal blood vessels. Intense control of blood sugar seems to be the only method to control and reduce the the disease. Recent studies before the discovery of candesartan's extra properties, had suggested these sorts of results. In recent studies performed with placebos and Atacand, a drug similar to candesartan, it was found that there was an 18 percent lower incidence rate of, and a 35 percent lower progression rate of retinopathy. Statistically the evidence is still nonsignificant, but it is a sign of hope.
As far as commenting on the article, I'm not entirely sure there's much to say. Diabetes is a fairly common disorder and it is good that treatment is being developed ((if at a snails pace)) to help cure or at least accomodate those unfortunant enough to have it. I mean, being blind is a pretty terrifying thought, and if it can be prevented in any way it should be. As far as the drug is concerned, if it performs the same as a blood pressure agent the same as all the others, and provides extra benefits, then I can't possibly see the harm in perscribing it regularily. Point in case being that its good developement is coming alone and soon hopefully the severity of diabetes will be reduced to a mild inconvenience.
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