Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers can reduce their risk of developing insulin resistance by extended use of tumor necrosis factor ? (TNFa), according to a study.
Mary Chester Wasko, M.D, of the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Nursing, together with her colleagues, examined the link between molecular markers of inflammation, alterations in the composition of the body and insulin resistance (IR).
The researchers sourced the published studies between the year 1948 and 2010 detailing IR and the body habits in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
They also evaluated the role of TNFa in the physiology of diabetes type 2 mellitus and with RA, and the impact of antirheumatic drugs on the glycemic control.
TNFa antagonist rapidly and effectively controlled the RA-related inflammation and the evidence suggested it may also be effective in improving the insulin sensitivity if used for an extended period.
The researchers found that patients who have RA had factors that placed them at an increased risk for developing IR and type-2 diabetes.
Furthermore, they suggested that RA patients have an increased likelihood of IR and risk for cardiovascular diseases.
There was no clear increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared to the general population.
Treatment-related changes may be used to reduce the overall risk of type 2 diabetes and CVD patients with RA.
According to the study, patients with chronic inflammatory disease like RA are at high risk for developing impaired glucose metabolism that may eventually develop into type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The study is published in the April issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
