GLP-1 RA and SGLT2 Inhibitors: In Harmony for Organ Protection

Early combination therapy with SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA or dual GIP/GLP-1 RA in type 2 diabetes

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-Like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are recommended in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) for glycaemic control and for people with high cardiovascular risk. However, current guidelines do not specifically address the role of initial early combination therapy with SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA or dual gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RA, but rather sequential initiation with either in T2D. This review synthesizes the available evidence on the use of SGLT2i and GLP-1-based therapies for T2D and provides a rationale for their combination. The combination of SGLT2i with GLP-1-based therapies addresses complementary pathophysiological mechanisms and enhances efficacy in achieving target haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels. SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA also have been shown to prevent complications of T2D. While both classes reduce adverse cardiorenal events, SGLT2i has a predominant effect on prevention of kidney dysfunction and heart failure, whereas GLP-1 RA has a more marked effect on the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Both drug classes have favourable safety profiles. Finally, weight loss with combination therapy may have disease-modifying effects that may reverse T2D progression. We propose that the combination of SGLT2i with GLP-1 RA or dual GIP/GLP-1 RA should be considered for most patients with T2D who do not have contraindications.

Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors vs GLP-1 RAs and Anemia in Patients With Diabetes and CKD

Importance

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are associated with lower anemia risk, based on findings from post hoc analyses of the CREDENCE and DAPA-CKD trials; however, the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in a more generalizable type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) population, with active comparisons pertinent to current practice, is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate and compare anemia incidence between SGLT2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) among patients with T2D and CKD stages 1 to 3.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used target trial emulation of an expanded CREDENCE and DAPA-CKD study framework. The study was conducted among adults with T2D and CKD initiating SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 RAs between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021, with follow-up until December 31, 2022. The study was conducted at the Chang Gung Medical Foundation, the largest multi-institutional hospital system in Taiwan.

Exposures

Initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 RAs.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was a composite of anemia outcomes, including anemia event occurrence (hemoglobin level <12-13 g/dL or International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes) or anemia treatment initiation. Changes in hematological parameters, including hemoglobin level, hematocrit level, and red blood cell count, were evaluated during the follow-up period for as long as 3 years.

Results

The cohort included a total of 13 799 patients with T2D and CKD, initiating SGLT2 inhibitors (12 331 patients; mean [SD] age, 62.4 [12.3] years; 7548 [61.2%] male) or GLP-1 RAs (1468 patients; mean [SD] age, 61.5 [13.3] years; 900 [61.3%] male). After the median follow-up period of 2.5 years, patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors had lower incidence of composite anemia outcomes (hazard ratio [HR], 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73-0.90) compared with those receiving GLP-1 RAs. SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a lower incidence of anemia events (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.71-0.87) but not with a lower rate of anemia treatment initiation (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.83-1.19). Changes in hematological parameters for SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 RAs throughout the 3-year follow-up period supported the primary analyses.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this multi-institutional cohort study with target trial emulation, SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a decreased risk of composite anemia outcomes, especially anemia event occurrences. SGLT2 inhibitors may be considered as an adjunct therapy to reduce anemia incidence in patients with T2D and CKD.