A drug that lowers blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes has also been shown to significantly reduce the risk of serious heart problems in patients.
The findings of a large study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found the drug canagliflozin, sold as Invokana, reduced the overall risk of cardiovascular disease by 14 per cent and reduced the risk of heart failure hospitalisation by 33 per cent.
It was also shown to have a significant impact on the progression of renal disease.
Australian researcher Professor Bruce Neal, of The George Institute for Global Health, presented the findings at the American Diabetes Association Conference in San Diego on Tuesday.
Professor Neal says it offers real hope to people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
"Coronary heart disease is the biggest killer by far for people with type 2 diabetes. Our findings suggest that not only does canagliflozin significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, it also has many other benefits too.
"We found it also reduced blood pressure and led to weight loss," he added.
