NOACs associated with lower risk for diabetic complications and mortality compared with warfarin

A retrospective cohort study of patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes found that the use of non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) was associated with a lower risk of diabetes complications and mortality than warfarin. These findings suggest that NOAC may be a better therapeutic choice for this patient population. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation are more likely to have a stroke in their lifetime and are often prescribed long-term oral anticoagulants including warfarin and NOACs for stroke prevention. Diabetes is also common among these patients, with poor glycemic status putting them at risk for thromboembolism and cardiovascular mortality, as well. Which anticoagulant is associated with a lower risk of these complications for these patients is not clear.

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