METFORMIN, a common diabetes medication, is associated with a 30% reduction in asthma attacks, according to a JAMA Internal Medicine study of 12,702 patients with asthma and diabetes.
The research, which analysed data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, also found that adding glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) reduced the risk of asthma attacks by an additional 40%.
The study used two approaches: a self-controlled case series and a population-based cohort analysis.
Both confirmed similar results, with metformin and GLP-1RA showing significant protective effects regardless of glycaemic control, weight or asthma phenotype.
Negative control analyses ruled out significant bias, strengthening the findings.
The primary outcome was asthma exacerbations requiring oral steroids, hospital visits, or related deaths.
Researchers highlighted that the benefits of metformin and GLP-1RA likely extend beyond blood sugar control or weight loss, suggesting these medications may directly affect airway inflammation and asthma mechanisms.
This study underscores the potential of diabetes treatments in managing asthma for patients with overlapping conditions.
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