TZD Use Linked to Increased Risk for Eye Disease

Edema, such as swelling of the legs or fluid in the lungs, is a known side effect of thiazolidinediones. This retrospective study showed that people who take TZDs are 3.6 times more likely to develop diabetic macular edema (DME, a thickening and swelling of the retina due to leaking of fluid from blood vessels, which can lead to vision loss) than people who have never taken TZDs. Therefore, the researchers suggest that people at high risk of developing DME (who have poor glucose control or previous history of macular edema) may not be suitable candidates for these drugs. Further research is needed to understand this potential risk. Researchers also found (135-OR) that the risk was higher for people who take TZDs with insulin. ADA Scientific Sessions (136-OR) June 26, 2011