A pill that tackles high blood sugar in type 2 diabetics might also protect against heart failure.

Although there is a range of treatments for the condition, patients are still more likely to develop a raft of heart problems due to the damage that raised blood sugar causes inside arteries and veins.

A pill that tackles high blood sugar in type 2 diabetics might also protect against heart failure.

Those living with heart failure suffer debilitating symptoms, including extreme breathlessness and crushing fatigue that sees them regularly hospitalised.

But it is now becoming clear that empagliflozin could help prevent diabetes patients from developing heart failure in the first place.

In the latest study, researchers at the University of Leeds recruited 18 type 2 diabetes patients to take the drug and monitored them over 12 weeks. .

Dr Thirunavukarasu added: 'We also saw patients lose weight, their blood pressure came down and generally they told us they had more energy and felt better. .

'It was incredible to see the difference this new medication made – and I was absolutely amazed when I was told that the blood flow to my heart had improved by 18 per cent in just three months

'My blood sugar levels improved, my blood pressure reduced and, along with regular exercise, I lost half a stone