When reviewing clinical studies, we must carefully examine the methodology and consider potential biases. A new editorial analyzes flaws in a pharmaceutical-backed trial on the diabetes drug canagliflozin. Despite claiming cardiovascular benefits, the analysis failed to correct for blood sugar levels. The sponsor's involvement and selective reporting also raise questions. While industry funding doesn't negate findings, it warrants added scrutiny. As professionals and consumers, we should interpret research cautiously, looking for limitations that could influence results.
Citation: Heston TF, Olson AH, Randall NR. Canagliflozin lowers blood sugar, but does it also lower cardiovascular risk? Maybe not. Ann Transl Med. 2017;5(23):473. doi:10.21037/atm.2017.09.28.