Efficacy and safety of empagliflozin for type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Type 2 diabetes patients requiring empagliflozin in Southeast of Iran: Frequency and guideline adherence (2022-2023)

INTRODUCTION

Empagliflozin plays a beneficial role in individuals with type 2 diabetes at high risk of cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of individuals with type 2 diabetes who required empagliflozin based on clinical guidelines between the years 2022 and 2023.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study conducted on a target population of patients with type 2 diabetes. Patient data, including demographic characteristics, smoking status, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, renal insufficiency, retinopathy, and proteinuria, were collected. The indication for prescribing empagliflozin was determined based on the risk of cardiovascular complications.

RESULTS

A total of 398 individuals with type 2 diabetes with a mean age of 58.4 years were examined. Overall, 87.4% of the patients had an indication for empagliflozin prescription. The indication for empagliflozin prescription was significantly higher in men, individuals with hyperlipidemia, those over 55 years of age, obese individuals, and smokers. The mean age, body mass index, and triglyceride levels were higher in candidates for empagliflozin prescription. Male candidates for empagliflozin had significantly higher rates of smoking and systolic blood pressure compared to females.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study demonstrated that a significant percentage of individuals with type 2 diabetes had an indication for empagliflozin prescription based on clinical and laboratory criteria.

Bexagliflozin as an Adjunct Therapy to Diet and Exercise to Improve Glycaemic Control in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, over 10.5% of the adult population has been diagnosed with T2D, and almost 12% of total health expenditure is spent exclusively on T2D management globally. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are a relatively new class of oral antidiabetic agents that act by inhibiting renal sodium and glucose reabsorption. Except for their glucose-l owering effects, they have been associated with a more significant weight loss and blood pressure reduction and a lower risk of hypoglycaemia than other commonly prescribed antidiabetic drugs. On 20 January 2023, bexagliflozin became the fifth orally administered sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitor to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of T2D as an adjunct therapy to diet and exercise in the USA after dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, empagliflozin and ertugliflozin. This review aims to discuss the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of bexagliflozin, which provides an important alternative treatment option for patients with T2D.

Comparison of SGLT1, SGLT2, and Dual Inhibitor biological activity in treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2D) is an emerging health burden in the USand worldwide, impacting approximately 15% of Americans. Current front-line therapeutics for T2D patients include sulfonylureas that act to reduce A1C and/or fasting blood glucose levels, or Metformin that antagonizes the action of glucagon to reduce hepatic glucose production. Next generation glucomodulatory therapeutics target members of the high-affinity glucose transporter Sodium-Glucose-Linked-Transporter (SGLT) family. SGLT1 is primarily expressed in intestinal epithelium, whose inhibition reduces dietary glucose uptake, whilst SGLT2 is highly expressed in kidney - regulating glucose reabsorption. A number of SGLT2 inhibitors are FDA approved whilst SGLT1 and dual SGLT1 & 2 inhibitor are currently in clinical trials. Here, we discuss and compare SGLT2, SGLT1, and dual inhibitors' biochemical mechanism and physiological effects.

Biochemical and histopathological evidence for beneficial effects of Empagliflozin pretreatment on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a disorder which oxidative stress plays a critical role in its pathogenesis. Empagliflozin (EMPA) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of EMPA on acetic acid (AA) induced colitis in rats.

METHODS

A total of twenty-four rats were divided into four groups (six animals in each group) as follows: (1) Control group; (2) acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis group (AA); (3) EMPA treatment group (AA + EMPA); (4) Dexamethasone (Dexa) treatment group (AA + Dexa). Animals in pre-treatment groups received EMPA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or dexamethasone (4 mg/kg, i.p. as reference drug) for four consecutive days before induction of colitis by intra-rectal acetic acid (4% v/v) administration. Twenty-four hours after AA administration, rats were sacrificed and the colon tissues were removed for histopathological and biochemical evaluations.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with EMPA significantly decreased colon weight/length ratio (81.00 ± 5.28 mg/cm vs. 108.80 ± 5.51 mg/cm) as well as, macroscopic (2.50 ± 0.57 vs. 3.75 ± 0.25) and histological scores (3.3 ± 0.14 vs. 1.98 ± 0.14) compared to the AA-induced colitis group (p < 0.01). Pretreatment with EMPA significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) (324.0 ± 15.93 vs. 476.7 ± 32.26 nmol/mg p < 0.001) and increased glutathione level (117.5 ± 4.48 vs. 94.38 ± 3.950 µmol/mg, p < 0.01) in comparison to the AA-induced colitis group. Furthermore, a significant increase in catalase (44.60 ± 4.02 vs.14.59 ± 2.03 U/mg, P < 0.01), superoxide dismutase (283.9 ± 18.11 vs. 156.4 ± 7.92 U/mg, p < 0.001), and glutathione peroxidase (10.38 ± 1.45 vs. 2.508 ± 0.37, p < 0.01) activities were observed by EMPA pretreatment when compared to the AA-induced colitis group. These results were in line with those of the reference drug.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that EMPA could effectively reduce the severity of tissue injury in experimental colitis. This protective effect may be related to the antioxidative effects of EMPA drug.

Non-noble metal-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenation coupling (CDC) involving ether α-C(sp3)-H to construct C-C bonds

Ether derivatives are widespread as essential building blocks in various drugs, natural products, agrochemicals, and materials. Modern economy requires developing green strategies with improved efficiency and reduction of waste. Due to its atom and step-economy, the cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reaction has become a major strategy for ether functionalization. This review covers C-H/C-H cross-coupling reactions of ether derivatives with various C-H bond substrates via non-noble metal catalysts (Fe, Cu, Co, Mn, Ni, Zn, Y, Sc, In, Ag). We discuss advances achieved in these CDC reactions and hope to attract interest in developing novel methodologies in this field of organic chemistry.

Novel Antidiabetic Agents and Their Effects on Lipid Profile: A Single Shot for Several Cardiovascular Targets

Type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) represents one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Hyperglycemia and glycemic variability are not the only determinant of the increased cardiovascular (CV) risk in diabetic patients, as a frequent metabolic disorder associated with DM is dyslipidemia, characterized by hypertriglyceridemia, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and a shift towards small dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This pathological alteration, also called diabetic dyslipidemia, represents a relevant factor which could promotes atherosclerosis and subsequently an increased CV morbidity and mortality. Recently, the introduction of novel antidiabetic agents, such as sodium glucose transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), has been associated with a significant improvement in CV outcomes. Beyond their known action on glycemia, their positive effects on the CV system also seems to be related to an ameliorated lipidic profile. In this context, this narrative review summarizes the current knowledge regarding these novel anti-diabetic drugs and their effects on diabetic dyslipidemia, which could explain the provided global benefit to the cardiovascular system.

A retrospective analysis of the incidence, outcome and factors associated with the occurrence of euglycemic ketoacidosis in diabetic patients on sodium glucose co-transporter - 2 inhibitors undergoing cardiac surgery

Introduction

SGLT2i is a new class of drugs used for type 2 diabetes. SGLT2i are known to cause EuKA in the perioperative period. Euglycemic ketoacidosis (EuKA) can cause life-threatening metabolic acidosis in the perioperative setting. Though the event rate of SGLT2i associated diabetic ketoacidosis in nonoperative setting is low, incidence among peri-operative patients can be very high and remains unknown.

Aim

The aim of this study was to find the incidence, analyze outcome, and establish correlation between risk factors and EuKA in cardiac surgical patients on SGLT2i.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective study analyzing 24 cardiac surgical patients who were on SGLT2i for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data collection included age, sex, BMI, preoperative HbA1C, albumin, creatinine, type of SGLT2i and timing of stopping before surgery, insulin administration in the immediate pre-operative period; use of CPB, GI infusion and inotropes in the intraoperative period; blood ketone, duration of ventilation, hydration status and length of postoperative stay in postoperative period. Patients were diagnosed to have EuKA if any one of the serially measured postoperative ketone values was more than 0.6 mmol/L (ketone positive). The collected data were used to find an association between the risk factors and the occurrence of EuKA.

Results

Of the 24 patients, 17 patients developed EuKA. (70.8.%). 10 of the 17 EuKA in our study required preoperative Insulin for diabetic control whereas none in the ketone negative patients required insulin. This was statistically significant (P = 0.019). Association of other factors to EuKA were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Though the event rate of SGLT2i associated Diabetic ketoacidosis in nonoperative setting is low, (17), the occurrence of EUKA in cardiac surgical patients on SGLT2i in our study was 70.8% (17 out of 24 patients). Patients who require insulin in addition to other oral hypoglycemic drugs for immediate preoperative glycemic control are at risk for the development of SGLT2 inhibitor-induced EuKA postoperatively. Missing the diagnosis of EuKA is fatal in these patients. We couldn't make a diagnosis in our first patient whom we lost. Since it was diagnosed in all our study patients by measuring serial ketone values, there was no mortality and insignificant morbidity. Cessation of SGLT2i before surgery, expectant watch for blood ketones, and treatment with GI infusion reduce morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgical patients.

Clinical Benefit of Switching from Low-Dose to High-Dose Empagliflozin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors ameliorate blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by inhibiting the reabsorption of glucose from the kidneys, thus increasing urinary glucose excretion. Most SGLT2 inhibitors have been reported to exert dose-dependent effects. However, little is known about the benefits of increasing the dose of SGLT2 inhibitors in clinical use. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of increasing the dose of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin in T2DM.

METHODS

We collected 52 subjects with T2DM with inadequate glycemic control. The dose of empagliflozin was increased from 10 to 25 mg, taken once daily, and the alterations in glycemic control and several other clinical parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

The increased dose of empagliflozin significantly ameliorated glycemic control. In addition, body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), triglyceride (TG), and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) were significantly decreased and hematocrit (Hct) was increased. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that baseline diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (odds ratio 1.093, 95% CI 1.019-1.156, P = 0.012) and baseline TG (odds ratio 1.012, 95% CI 1.001-1.023, P = 0.026) were retained as independent predictors for the improvement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Moreover, multivariate stepwise regression analyses revealed that changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β - 0.264, 95% CI - 1.217 to 0.000, P = 0.049) and HbA1c (β 0.302, 95% CI 0.077-1.096, P = 0.025) were retained as independent predictors for changes in BMI.

CONCLUSION

Increasing the dose of empagliflozin significantly ameliorated BW, BMI, GGT, TG, fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c and increased Hct in patients with T2DM. Moreover, baseline DBP and TG were independent predictors for the improvement of HbA1c. These findings may provide useful information when considering increasing the dosage of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2DM who have inadequate glycemic control.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000041543).

Efficacy and Safety of Empagliflozin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Saudi Patients as Add-On to Antidiabetic Therapy: A Prospective, Open-Label, Observational Study

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) approved sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in 2018. The efficacy and safety of empagliflozin (EMPA) have been confirmed in the U.S., Europe, and Japan for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, analogous evidence is lacking for Saudi T2DM patients. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of EMPA in Saudi patients (n = 256) with T2DM. This is a 12-week prospective, open-label, observational study. Adult Saudi patients with T2DM who had not been treated with EMPA before enrolment were eligible. The exclusion criteria included T2DM patients less than 18 years of age, adults with type one diabetes, pregnant women, paediatric population. The results related to efficacy included a significant decrease in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (adjusted mean difference −0.93% [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.32, −1.54]), significant improvements in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (−2.28 mmol/L [95% CI −2.81, −1.75]), and a reduction in body weight (−0.874 kg [95% CI −4.36, −6.10]) following the administration of 25 mg of EMPA once daily as an add-on to ongoing antidiabetic therapy after 12 weeks. The primary safety endpoints were the change in the mean blood pressure (BP) values, which indicated significantly reduced systolic and diastolic BP (−3.85 mmHg [95% CI −6.81, −0.88] and −0.06 mmHg [95% CI −0.81, −0.88], respectively) and pulse rate (−1.18 [95% CI −0.79, −3.15]). In addition, kidney function was improved, with a significant reduction in the urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) (−1.76 mg/g [95% CI −1.07, −34.25]) and a significant increase in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (3.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 [95% CI 2.78, 9.87]). Furthermore, EMPA reduced aminotransferases (ALT) in a pattern (reduction in ALT > AST). The adjusted mean difference in the change in ALT was −2.36 U/L [95% CI −1.031, −3.69], while it was −1.26 U/L [95% CI −0.3811, −2.357] for AST and −1.98 U/L [95% CI −0.44, −3.49] for GGT. Moreover, in the EMPA group, serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly increased (0.29 mmol/L [95% CI 0.74, 0.15]), whereas a nonsignificant increase was seen in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (0.01 mmol/L [95% CI 0.19, 0.18]) along with a significant reduction in plasma triglyceride (TG) levels (−0.43 mmol/L [95% CI −0.31, −1.17]). Empagliflozin once daily is an efficacious and tolerable strategy for treating Saudi patients with insufficiently controlled T2DM as an add-on to ongoing antidiabetic therapy.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter Inhibitors as Antidiabetic Drugs: Current Development and Future Perspectives

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors (gliflozins) represent the most recently approved class of oral antidiabetic drugs. SGLT-2 overexpression in diabetic patients contributes significantly to hyperglycemia and related complications. Therefore, SGLT-2 became a highly interesting therapeutic target, culminating in the approval for clinical use of dapagliflozin and analogues in the past decade. Gliflozins improve glycemic control through a novel insulin-independent mechanism of action and, moreover, exhibit significant cardiorenal protective effects in both diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. Therefore, gliflozins have received increasing attention, prompting extensive structure-activity relationship studies and optimization approaches. The discovery that intestinal SGLT-1 inhibition can provide a novel opportunity to control hyperglycemia, through a multifactorial mechanism, recently encouraged the design of low adsorbable inhibitors selectively directed to the intestinal SGLT-1 subtype as well as of dual SGLT-1/SGLT-2 inhibitors, representing a compelling strategy to identify new antidiabetic drug candidates.

Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors on blood pressure in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Recent studies have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) can achieve significant improvement in blood pressure in people with diabetes. Furthermore, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have established that SGLT2i have a cardioprotective effect in adults with heart failure (HF). Therefore, we performed this systematic review an meta-analysis to determine the effect of SGLT2i on blood pressure in patients with HF.

Methods

We used the Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed databases to identify RCTs (published through to April 29, 2022) that evaluated the effect of SGLT2i on HF. The primary endpoint was defined as change in blood pressure. Secondary composite outcomes were heart rate, hematocrit, body weight, and glycated hemoglobin. The N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores, and estimated glomerular filtration rate were also evaluated.

Results

After a literature search and detailed evaluation, 16 RCTs were included in the quantitative analysis. Pooled analyses showed that SGLT2i were associated with a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure of 1.68 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI] − 2.7, − 0.66; P = 0.001; I² = 45%) but not diastolic blood pressure (mean difference [MD] −1.06 mmHg; 95% CI −3.20, 1.08; P = 0.33; I² = 43%) in comparison with controls. Furthermore, SGLT2i decreased body weight (MD − 1.36 kg, 95% CI − 1.68, − 1.03; P < 0.001; I² = 61%) and the glycated hemoglobin level (MD − 0.16%, 95% CI − 0.28, −0.04, P = 0.007; I² = 91%) but increased hematocrit (MD 1.63%, 95% CI 0.63, 2.62, P = 0.001; I² = 100%). There was no significant between-group difference in heart rate (MD − 0.35; 95% CI − 2.05, 1.35, P = 0.69; I² = 0).

Conclusions

SGLT2i decreased systolic blood pressure in patients with HF but had no effect on diastolic blood pressure. These inhibitors may have numerous potentially beneficial clinical effects in patients with HF.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-022-01574-w.

Canagliflozin Prevents Lipid Accumulation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Mice With Diabetic Cardiovascular Disease

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, as oral medications for T2DM treatment have shown the potential to improve vascular dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of canagliflozin (Cana) to relieve CVD in T2DM mice and its possible action mechanism. Mice with diabetic CVD was conducted by a high-fat diet for 24 weeks, followed by oral gavaging with metformin (200 mg/kg/day) or Cana (50 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. The result demonstrated that Cana reduced serum lipid accumulation, and decreased the arteriosclerosis index and atherogenic index of plasma. In addition, Cana treatment reduced the circulating markers of inflammation. More importantly, Cana improved cardiac mitochondrial homeostasis and relieved oxidative stress. Moreover, Cana treatment alleviated the myocardial injury with decreasing levels of serous soluble cluster of differentiation 40 ligand and cardiac troponin I. Thus, cardiovascular abnormality was relieved by suppressing fibrosis and basement membrane thickening, while elevating the cluster of differentiation 31 expression level. Importantly, Cana increased the ratio of gut bacteria Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and the relative abundance of Alistipes, Olsenella, and Alloprevotella, while it decreased the abundance of Mucispirillum, Helicobacter, and Proteobacteria at various taxonomic levels in mice with diabetic CVD. In short, Cana treatment altered the colonic microbiota composition close to the normal level, which was related with blood lipid, inflammation, and oxidative stress, and might play a vital role in CVD. In general, the improvements in the gut microbiota and myocardial mitochondrial homeostasis may represent the mechanism of Cana on CVD treatment.

SGLT2 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure-A Concise Review

The incidence of both diabetes mellitus type 2 and heart failure is rapidly growing, and the diseases often coexist. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a new antidiabetic drug class that mediates epithelial glucose transport at the renal proximal tubules, inhibiting glucose absorption—resulting in glycosuria—and therefore improving glycemic control. Recent trials have proven that SGLT2i also improve cardiovascular and renal outcomes, including reduced cardiovascular mortality and fewer hospitalizations for heart failure. Reduced preload and afterload, improved vascular function, and changes in tissue sodium and calcium handling may also play a role. The expected paradigm shift in treatment strategies was reflected in the most recent 2021 guidelines published by the European Society of Cardiology, recommending dapagliflozin and empagliflozin as first-line treatment for heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. Moreover, the recent results of the EMPEROR-Preserved trial regarding empagliflozin give us hope that there is finally an effective treatment for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of these new anti-glycemic oral agents in the management of diabetic and heart failure patients.

The Enhanced Cardiac Outcome of Conjugated SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1RA Therapy in Diabetic Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiovascular disease secondary to diabetes continues to threaten the survivability of many people all over the world. We assess the most recent findings of synergistic effects of combined glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in lowering cardiac complications in the diabetic population. We describe drug therapies' mechanism of action, postulated cardioprotective process, the additive value of conjugated therapy, and analyze recently reported study and its limitation.

RECENT FINDINGS

SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1RAs have gained popularity due to their ability to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in diabetic patients. There is emerging evidence of the additional cardiovascular benefit from the combined application of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1RAs therapy demonstrated by a recent real-world cohort study. Reducing cardiac mortality in patients with diabetes by administering dual antihyperglycemic therapies (GLP-1Rs and SGLT2 inhibitors) might play a key role in the future treatment of the diabetic population.

Dapagliflozin improves steatohepatitis in diabetic rats via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation

Type-2 diabetes mellitus and NAFLD are considered as one of the greatest worldwide metabolic disorders with growing incidence. It was found that patients with T2DM have two-fold increase to develop NAFLD. Evidence that some antidiabetic agents improve NAFLD/NASH in patients with T2DM is evolving. However, there are no certain pharmacologic therapies. The current study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms for the hepatoprotective effect of dapagliflozin against steatohepatitis in diabetic rats. Type-2 diabetes was induced by HFD followed by a single dose of STZ (30 mg/kg I.P). Fifty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Group1; normal control, Group 2; diabetic control, Groups (3-5); diabetic rats received daily dapagliflozin (0.75, 1.5, 3 mg/kg, p.o.) respectively for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood glucose level and serum insulin were measured. Hepatic tissue homogenization was performed for measuring inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. In addition, histopathological investigation of the hepatic tissue was done. Diabetic rats exhibited remarkable increase in liver weight and liver enzymes, along with histopathological changes, significant elevation in MDA, IL-1 β, TGFβ levels and, NF-κB, alpha-SMA expressions. Dapagliflozin treatment decreased liver weight, liver enzymes, together with marked improvement in histopathological changes. Furthermore, dapagliflozin increased antioxidant enzymes, GSH levels. Interestingly, Dapagliflozin reduced IL-1 β, TGFβ levels and, NF-κB, alpha-SMA expressions. Present data show that dapagliflozin represent a viable approach to protect the liver against diabetes-encouraged steatohepatitis through inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis progression thus conserving liver function.

Treatment outcomes of graded dose of empagliflozin in type-2 diabetes: A real world study

Background:

Costs are important cause of therapeutic noncompliance in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Half-tablet empagliflozin (EMPA)-25 mg has lowest monthly cost among all EMPA preparations; data is unavailable on efficacy of half EMPA-25. This study compared real world weight loss and glycaemic outcomes of 10 mg versus 12.5 mg versus 25 mg of EMPA.

Methods:

Data, retrospectively captured from records of 2 different centresfor patients > 35 years-age having T2DM on EMPA as part of standard pharmacotherapy for T2DM, having > 6 months follow-up data available was analysed. Patients were in 3-groups depending on EMPA dosage: Group 1 on EMPA 10 mg/day (1-tablet EMPA-10), Group-2 on EMPA 12.5 mg/day (half-tablet EMPA-25), and Group 3 on EMPA 25 mg/day (1-tablet EMPA-25). Primary endpoints were glycaemic efficacy and weight-loss.

Results:

Of 3601 records screened, data from 599 patients (184, 239 and 176 in Group-1, 2 and 3 respectively) was analysed. All 3 groups were comparable with regards to sex, blood pressure, haemoglobin, renal function, medications use. Group-3 were significantly older, had longest diabetes duration, highest HbA1c and lowest body mass index. Glycaemic efficacy was comparable among groups (ΔHbA1c Groups 1-3: −0.9 (−1.9 – 0.0), −1.0 (−1.8 – 0.5) and − 1.0 (−1.5 – 0.22], respectively; P = 0.363). Patients on EMPA 12.5 or 25 mg/d had significantly higher total (−1.4 [−3.0 –0.2] vs. −0.3 [−2.4 – 1.32] kg; P = 0.028) and percent weight-loss (−1.75% [−4.15 – 0.26] vs. −0.44% [−3.11 – 1.39]; P = 0.039), and significantly higherfraction achieving HbA1c < 5.7% (12% vs. 0; P = 0.021), compared to EMPA-10.

Conclusion:

Half EMPA-25 is the most cost effective way of using EMPA in clinical practice.

Effectiveness and safety of ertugliflozin for type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials

Aims/Introduction

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the novel sodium–glucose cotransporter inhibitor, ertugliflozin, compared with a placebo or other antihyperglycemic agents for type 2 diabetes patients.

Materials and Methods

We carried out a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the benefits and harms of ertugliflozin. Online database searches were carried out in PubMed, EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE and Cochrane from inception up to 11 March 2021. Our end‐points were glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and bodyweight. We analyzed the results using a random effects model, computed weighted mean differences and risk ratios.

Result

A total of 10 randomized controlled trials with 13,223 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared with a placebo, the weighted mean differences in glycated hemoglobin were −0.77% (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.86 to −0.68%) for ertugliflozin 5 mg, and −0.82% (95% CI −1.01 to −0.63%) for ertugliflozin 15 mg. Ertugliflozin 5 mg daily was also associated with bodyweight loss (weighted mean difference −1.87 kg, 95% CI −2.12 to −1.6). When compared with a placebo, ertugliflozin significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose by −1.62 mmol/L (weighted mean difference, 95% CI −1.82 to −1.42 for 5 mg ertugliflozin). Yet, we observed a rising risk for genital mycotic infections (risk ratio 4.34, 95% CI 2.78–6.76). The results were similar for the 15 mg ertugliflozin group.

Conclusion

Ertugliflozin effectively reduces glycated hemoglobin levels and provides extra clinical benefits including bodyweight and fasting plasma glucose. Common adverse effects, including genital mycotic infections and so on, were reviewed.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: An overview of 46 systematic reviews

AIMS

To summarize the evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors versus placebo or active comparators for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched six databases between 2014 and 2021. We assessed the quality of evidence using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and summarized the main outcome results according to their evidence of benefit (PROSPERO ID: CRD42019132431).

RESULTS

We included 46 SRs, comprising 175 RCTs and 136 096 participants. The results showed "clear evidence of benefit" in relation to: myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR]/hazard ratio [HR] 0.85 to 0.91); cardiovascular mortality (OR/HR 0.67 to 0.86); heart failure (OR/HR 0.64 to 0.69); albuminuria progression and composite renal outcome (relative risk [RR]/HR 0.55 to 0.63); glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) versus placebo (mean difference [MD] -0.49% to -0.77% [5.4 to 8.4 mmol/mol]); and weight versus placebo (MD -1.09 kg to -2.99 kg). "Possible benefit" was observed in relation to major adverse cardiovascular events (OR/HR 0.80 to 0.89), all-cause mortality and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. SGLT2 inhibitors showed "clear evidence of no effect or equivalence" in relation to stroke and fractures. "Clear evidence of harm" was observed in relation to genital infections (RR/OR 2.06 to 5.25) and ketoacidosis (HR/OR 1.36 to 2.20). Regarding amputation risk and urinary tract infections, we found "no conclusions possible due to lack of evidence".

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that SGLT2 inhibitors have beneficial effects in relation to renal and cardiovascular outcomes (except for stroke), HbA1c and weight. Further studies are needed to assess urinary infections and amputation risk.

The Effect of Empagliflozin on Liver Fat in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background and objective

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is 60% in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). NAFLD can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), both of which are the leading causes of cirrhosis. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor, reduces liver fat content in these patients after therapy.

Methods

After enrolling patients of T2DM with NAFLD, they were administered empagliflozin 10 mg once daily orally for six months without modifying existing oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) if any. All demographic data were collected, and anthropometric measurements, as well as laboratory investigations, were performed, and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness (LS) were measured using FibroScan® (Echosens, Paris, France) at baseline, and six months of therapy. The adverse effects related to therapy were also taken into account.

Results

There was a significant decrease in mean CAP value from 282.07 ± 47.29 dB/m to 263.07 ± 49.93 dB/m and LS from 5.89 ± 4.23 kPa to 5.04 ± 1.49 kPa along with a significant decrease in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) among the patients. Compared to the baseline, there was a significant reduction in post-treatment weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure (BP). The most commonly observed adverse effects of the therapy were urinary tract infection (UTI) (17.8%), nasopharyngitis (11.9%), and hypoglycemia (10.71%).

Conclusion

A reduction in hepatic fat content was seen in our prospective study cohort after six months of empagliflozin therapy. Empagliflozin also led to beneficial effects such as weight loss and reduction in transaminases and GGT. Given the absence of significant side effects of the therapy, empagliflozin could be used as an effective treatment modality for T2DM patients with NAFLD, which are two conditions commonly seen in combination.

Cardiovascular benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in diabetic and nondiabetic patients

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were developed as antidiabetic agents, but accumulating evidence has shown their beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Analyses of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial (Empagliflozin Cardiovascular Outcome Event Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients) suggested that these benefits are independent of glycemic control. Several large-scale outcome trials of SGLT2i also showed cardiovascular benefits in nondiabetic patients, strengthening this perspective. Extensive animal and clinical studies have likewise shown that mechanisms other than the antihyperglycemic effect underlie the cardiovascular benefits. Recent clinical guidelines recommend the use of SGLT2i in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases because of the proven cardiovascular protective effects. Since the cardiovascular benefits are independent of glycemic control, the therapeutic spectrum of SGLT2i will likely be extended to nondiabetic patients.

Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect of Newer Antihyperglycemic Agents (SGLT-2 Inhibitors, GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, and DPP-4 Inhibitors)

The prevalence of arterial hypertension is high in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). When DM and hypertension coexist, they constitute a dual cardiovascular threat and should be adequately controlled. Novel antihyperglycemic agents, including sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, have recently been used in the treatment of DM. Beyond their glucose-lowering effects, these drugs have shown beneficial pleiotropic cardiovascular effects, including lowering of arterial blood pressure (BP), as acknowledged in the 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Association for the Study of Diabetes guidelines on diabetes, prediabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this review was to summarize the available information on the BP-reducing effects of these new glucose-lowering drug classes and provide a brief report on underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. We also compare the three drug classes (SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 RAs, and DPP-4 inhibitors) in terms of their BP-lowering effect and show that the greater BP reduction seems to be achieved with SGLT-2 inhibitors, whereas DPP-4 inhibitors have probably the mildest antihypertensive effect.

Estimation of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor-related genital and urinary tract infections via electronic medical record-based common data model

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVES

In Korea, the side effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have not been clearly reported, aside from voluntary reporting. We aimed to develop detection algorithms for SGLT2i-related genital tract infections (GTIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) via a common data model (CDM), an electronic medical record-based database for supporting multi-hospital clinical research. We estimated the occurrence of GTIs and UTIs and-by assessing the status of each step of the algorithm-we also aimed to determine how clinicians responded to the SGLT2i-related GTIs and UTIs.

METHODS

We targeted all patients who were prescribed SGLT2i at Catholic University Seoul St. Mary's Hospital and Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital from January 2014 to August 2018. We developed algorithms for detection of SGLT2i-related GTIs or UTIs that divided patients into "most likely," "possibly" or "less likely" categories of GTIs or UTIs. The numbers of patients at each step were extracted.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A total of 4253 patients received their first prescription of SGLT2i. According to the algorithm used in this study, the proportions of "most likely GTI" and "possibly GTI" were 0.9% (37 out of 4253) and 19.4% (826 out of 4253 patients), respectively. Similarly, the proportions of "most likely UTI" and "possibly UTI" were 0.9% (38 out of 4253) and 20.2% (858 out of 4253 patients), respectively. Compared to the various existing prospective studies, both GTIs and UTIs showed lower occurrence among patients who met "most likely" criteria and higher occurrence among those who met "possibly" criteria. When a GTI or UTI occurred or was suspected, the overall rate of discontinuing SGLT2i was 51.8% (1721 out of 3323). Despite a confirmed or suspected GTI and an UTI, 62.8% (1460 out of 2323) and 14.2% (142 out of 1000) of patients continued to take SGLT2i, respectively. The discontinuation rate for suspected GTIs was significantly lower than that for suspected UTIs (37.2% vs. 85.8%, p < 0.001).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

In this study, although the GTIs appeared to have a similar occurrence as UTIs, however, the discontinuation rate of SGLT2i for suspected GTIs was relatively lower. Our study is novel in that we identified how the physicians approached SGLT2i-related GTIs or UTIs at each step in a real-world clinical practice setting. Although we could estimate SGLT2i-related GTIs and UTIs via CDM, we were limited in our ability to accurately detect mild drug side effects via CDM, which lacked data for operational definition.

Adverse events associated with sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors: an overview of quantitative systematic reviews

Background:

Multiple published quantitative systematic reviews have reported on adverse events associated with the use of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aims:

To summarize and appraise the quality of evidence from quantitative systematic reviews assessing adverse events of SGLT-2 inhibitors.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for quantitative systematic reviews assessing SGLT-2 inhibitor safety. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed methodological quality using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) tool. Main outcomes included pooled and single study point estimaates (in the absence of pooled estimates) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of SGLT-2 inhibitors versus placebo or active comparators for genitourinary infections, volume depletion, acute kidney injury, bone fractures, diabetic ketoacidosis, lower limb amputations, cancers, and other notable adverse events.

Results:

Out of 1289 citations screened, 47 reviews assessed SGLT-2 inhibitor safety, of which 35 were of low quality. Canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin were consistently associated with an increased risk of genital tract infections versus placebo (point estimates ranged from 2.5 to 9.8) and other antihyperglycemic agents (point estimates ranged from 2.7 to 12.0). Canagliflozin and dapagliflozin were associated with an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Canagliflozin was the only agent associated with an increased amputation risk; however, this was driven by results from a single trial program. Dapagliflozin was the only agent that exhibited a statistically significant increased risk of urinary tract infections. Empagliflozin was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of bladder cancer; however, this finding was susceptible to detection bias. None of the agents were associated with a statistically significant increased risk of acute kidney injury, or bone fractures compared to placebo or mixed (active or placebo) comparators. Upper 95% CI limits do not rule out clinically meaningful outcomes.

Conclusion:

The majority of quantitative systematic reviews reporting on adverse events of SGLT-2 inhibitors were of low methodological quality. Despite almost 50 quantitative systematic reviews published on the safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors, clinicians are still left uncertain of the risks of important adverse effects.

Plain Language Summary

SGLT-2 iInhibitor side effects: overview of reviews

Many published systematic reviews have reported on side effects associated with the use of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes. We aimed to summarize and appraise the quality of evidence from quantitative systematic reviews assessing side effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors. Using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) tool, two authors extracted data and assessed the methods of included reviews. Main outcomes included reported pooled and single study point estimates for several SGLT-2 inhibitor side effects such as genital infections, bone fractures, lower limb amputations, increased blood acidity, among others. Of the reviews included in our study, 35 of the 47 reviews assessed were of low quality. Canagliflozin and dapagliflozin were associated with an increased risk of blood acidity in a 2020 review. Canagliflozin was the only agent associated with an increased amputation risk; however, this was driven by results from a single trial program. Dapagliflozin was the only agent that exhibited a significantly increased risk of urinary tract infections. Empagliflozin was associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer; however, this finding was susceptible to bias. None of the agents were associated with an increased risk of kidney injury or bone fractures.

Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Benefits of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors: A Consensus Statement

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) occurs in approximately 20-40% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with DKD have a higher risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and antihyperglycemic drugs form the mainstay of DKD management and aim to restrict progression to more severe stages of DKD. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) control hyperglycemia by blocking renal glucose reabsorption in addition to preventing inflammation, thereby improving endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress; consequently, this class of prescription medicines is emerging as an important addition to the therapeutic armamentarium. The EMPA-REG OUTCOME, DECLARE TIMI 58, and CANVAS trials demonstrated the renoprotective effects of SGLT2i, such as restricting decline in glomerular filtration rate, in the progression of albuminuria, and in death due to renal causes. The renoprotection provided by SGLT2i was further confirmed in the CREDENCE study, which showed a 30% reduction in progression of chronic kidney disease, and in the DELIGHT study, which demonstrated a reduction in albuminuria with dapagliflozin compared with placebo (- 21.0%, confidence interval [CI] - 34.1 to - 5.2, p = 0.011). Furthermore, a meta-analysis demonstrated a reduced risk of dialysis, transplantation, or death due to kidney disease (relative risk 0.67; 95% CI 0.52-0.86; p = 0.0019) and a 45% risk reduction in worsening of renal function, end-stage renal disease, or renal death (hazard ratio 0.55, CI 0.48-0.64, p < 0.0001) with SGLT2i, irrespective of baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate. Thus, there is emerging evidence that SGLT2i may be used to curb the mortality and improve the quality of life in patients with DKD. However, clinicians need to effectively select candidates for SGLT2i therapy. In this consensus statement, we have qualitatively synthesized evidence demonstrating the renal effects of SGLT2i and proposed recommendations for optimal use of SGLT2i to effectively manage and delay progression of DKD.

Evaluation of the safety of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors for treating patients with type 1 diabetes

AIM

To conduct an overall safety assessment of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors used for the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), including ketoacidosis, genital infection, volume depletion, liver and kidney injury events, cardiovascular events, diarrhea and severe hypoglycaemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched three databases (Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Library) for randomized controlled trials that treated T1D by using SGLT-2 inhibitors from 2000 to 5 March 2020.

RESULTS

Of the 1653 articles identified that fit our search criteria, 22 studies included qualitative-based results, eight of which were randomized clinical trials that included quantitative-based results. Compared with the control group, the SGLT-2 inhibitors treatment group was found to have had an increased incidence of ketoacidosis (P < .00001, OR 4.34, 95% CI [2.37, 7.96], I² = 18%), events leading to discontinuation (P < .0001, OR 1.76, 95% CI [1.34, 2.31], I² = 0%), genital infection (P < .00001, OR 3.64, 95% CI [2.82, 4.70], I² = 0%), volume depletion (P = .006, OR 2.10, 95% CI [1.23, 3.59], I² = 4%) and diarrhoea (P = .008, OR 1.64, 95% CI [1.14, 2.36], I² = 0%). However, according to subgroup analysis, the risk of diarrhoea was dose-related. The incidence of urinary tract infection, cardiovascular events, renal events, liver injury and fracture was not significantly different for the treatment group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite showing some promise as a treatment approach, the application of SGLT-2 inhibitors for patients with T1D should be considered with caution.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is becoming increasingly complex. Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are the newest antidiabetic agents for T2DM. By targeting the kidney, they have a unique mechanism of action, which results in enhanced glucosuria, osmotic diuresis and natriuresis, thereby improving glucose control with a limited risk of hypoglycaemia and exerting additional positive effects such as weight loss and the lowering of blood pressure. Several outcome studies with canagliflozin, dapagliflozin or empagliflozin reported a statistically significant reduction in major cardiovascular events, hospitalization for heart failure and progression to advanced renal disease in patients with T2DM who have established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, several cardiovascular risk factors, albuminuric mild to moderate chronic kidney disease or heart failure. Current guidelines proposed a new paradigm in the management of T2DM, with a preferential place for SGLT2is, after metformin, in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure and progressive kidney disease. Ongoing trials might extend the therapeutic potential of SGLT2is in patients with, but also without, T2DM. This Review provides an update of the current knowledge on SGLT2is, moving from their use as glucose-lowering medications to their new positioning as cardiovascular and renal protective agents.

Weight-centric pharmacological management of type 2 diabetes mellitus - An essential component of cardiovascular disease prevention

Obesity and overweight are contributing factors for diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and ultimately, cardiovascular (CV) disease. Obesity is imposing an increasing health burden in rich and poor nations, with almost 30% of people globally now either obese or overweight - a staggering 2.1 billion. The link between obesity and T2DM is widely held to involve two adverse effects: obesity-induced insulin resistance and β-cell failure. This "unified field theory" raises questions about whether defects favoring progressive weight gain and metabolic impairment also contribute to β-cell decompensation. The concept of weight-centric management of T2DM is considered justified because of the strong negative impact of obesity on the effects of treatment of diabetes. Two pharmacotherapy options are considered: drugs developed primarily for blood glucose control that also exert a favorable effect on body weight and drugs developed primarily to induce weight loss that also have a favorable effect on glycemia. Treating hunger counter-regulatory mechanisms will have an additional effect on glucose control in T2DM. This narrative review addresses advances in pharmacotherapy for the management of obesity and obesity-related co-morbidities, with a focus on T2DM. It is also important to identify the correct balance between weight-centric and glucose-centric management of T2DM.

Metformin monotherapy for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, there is an increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin is still the recommended first-line glucose-lowering drug for people with T2DM. Despite this, the effects of metformin on patient-important outcomes are still not clarified.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of metformin monotherapy in adults with T2DM.

SEARCH METHODS

We based our search on a systematic report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and topped-up the search in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, WHO ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Additionally, we searched the reference lists of included trials and systematic reviews, as well as health technology assessment reports and medical agencies. The date of the last search for all databases was 2 December 2019, except Embase (searched up 28 April 2017).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with at least one year's duration comparing metformin monotherapy with no intervention, behaviour changing interventions or other glucose-lowering drugs in adults with T2DM.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors read all abstracts and full-text articles/records, assessed risk of bias, and extracted outcome data independently. We resolved discrepancies by involvement of a third review author. For meta-analyses we used a random-effects model with investigation of risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes, using 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for effect estimates. We assessed the overall certainty of the evidence by using the GRADE instrument.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 18 RCTs with multiple study arms (N = 10,680). The percentage of participants finishing the trials was approximately 58% in all groups. Treatment duration ranged from one to 10.7 years. We judged no trials to be at low risk of bias on all 'Risk of bias' domains. The main outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality, serious adverse events (SAEs), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), cardiovascular mortality (CVM), non-fatal myocardial infarction (NFMI), non-fatal stroke (NFS), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Two trials compared metformin (N = 370) with insulin (N = 454). Neither trial reported on all-cause mortality, SAE, CVM, NFMI, NFS or ESRD. One trial provided information on HRQoL but did not show a substantial difference between the interventions. Seven trials compared metformin with sulphonylureas. Four trials reported on all-cause mortality: in three trials no participant died, and in the remaining trial 31/1454 participants (2.1%) in the metformin group died compared with 31/1441 participants (2.2%) in the sulphonylurea group (very low-certainty evidence). Three trials reported on SAE: in two trials no SAE occurred (186 participants); in the other trial 331/1454 participants (22.8%) in the metformin group experienced a SAE compared with 308/1441 participants (21.4%) in the sulphonylurea group (very low-certainty evidence). Two trials reported on CVM: in one trial no CVM was observed and in the other trial 4/1441 participants (0.3%) in the metformin group died of cardiovascular reasons compared with 8/1447 participants (0.6%) in the sulphonylurea group (very low-certainty evidence). Three trials reported on NFMI: in two trials no NFMI occurred, and in the other trial 21/1454 participants (1.4%) in the metformin group experienced a NFMI compared with 15/1441 participants (1.0%) in the sulphonylurea group (very low-certainty evidence). One trial reported no NFS occurred (very low-certainty evidence). No trial reported on HRQoL or ESRD. Seven trials compared metformin with thiazolidinediones (very low-certainty evidence for all outcomes). Five trials reported on all-cause mortality: in two trials no participant died; the overall RR was 0.88, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.39; P = 0.57; 5 trials; 4402 participants). Four trials reported on SAE, the RR was 0,95, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.09; P = 0.49; 3208 participants. Four trials reported on CVM, the RR was 0.71, 95% CI 0.21 to 2.39; P = 0.58; 3211 participants. Three trial reported on NFMI: in two trials no NFMI occurred and in one trial 21/1454 participants (1.4%) in the metformin group experienced a NFMI compared with 25/1456 participants (1.7%) in the thiazolidinedione group. One trial reported no NFS occurred. No trial reported on HRQoL or ESRD. Three trials compared metformin with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (one trial each with saxagliptin, sitagliptin, vildagliptin with altogether 1977 participants). There was no substantial difference between the interventions for all-cause mortality, SAE, CVM, NFMI and NFS (very low-certainty evidence for all outcomes). One trial compared metformin with a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue (very low-certainty evidence for all reported outcomes). There was no substantial difference between the interventions for all-cause mortality, CVM, NFMI and NFS. One or more SAEs were reported in 16/268 (6.0%) of the participants allocated to metformin compared with 35/539 (6.5%) of the participants allocated to a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue. HRQoL or ESRD were not reported. One trial compared metformin with meglitinide and two trials compared metformin with no intervention. No deaths or SAEs occurred (very low-certainty evidence) no other patient-important outcomes were reported. No trial compared metformin with placebo or a behaviour changing interventions. Four ongoing trials with 5824 participants are likely to report one or more of our outcomes of interest and are estimated to be completed between 2018 and 2024. Furthermore, 24 trials with 2369 participants are awaiting assessment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no clear evidence whether metformin monotherapy compared with no intervention, behaviour changing interventions or other glucose-lowering drugs influences patient-important outcomes.

Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors Across the Spectrum of Hypertension

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors represent a novel class of oral antihyperglycemic drugs that have been approved over the last decade for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Except the glucose-lowering effects, robust evidence also suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors confer benefits in cardiovascular system. The purpose of this review was to investigate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors across the spectrum of arterial hypertension.

Canagliflozin ameliorates obesity by improving mitochondrial function and fatty acid oxidation via PPARα in vivo and in vitro

AIMS

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been reported to significantly reduce body weight. This study investigated whether SGLT2 inhibitors directly affect adipose tissues and the underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.

MAIN METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD with canagliflozin for 14 weeks. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with canagliflozin. Metabolic parameters were measured.

KEY FINDINGS

Canagliflozin reduced body weight, fat mass, and white adipose tissue (WAT) weight and inhibited adipocyte hypertrophy. Canagliflozin improved glucose and lipid metabolic disorders induced by HFD. Furthermore, canagliflozin treatment reversed the suppressed mRNA and protein expression of PGC-1α, NRF1, tfam and CPT1b, which are markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, function and fatty acid oxidation in mice with obesity. In vitro, canagliflozin increased mitochondrial DNA to nuclear DNA and upregulated the expression of PGC-1α, NRF1, tfam, COX5b, COX8b, Atp5o, and CPT1b mRNA and PGC-1α, NRF1, tfam, COX5b, CPT1b protein in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, while these increases were inhibited by GW6471, a PPARα antagonist.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our study showed that canagliflozin protected against HFD-induced obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders by improving mitochondrial function and fatty acid oxidation in adipose tissue and adipocytes. Such energy-dissipating effects of canagliflozin may be mediated by PPARα.

Canagliflozin impairs blood reperfusion of ischaemic lower limb partially by inhibiting the retention and paracrine function of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells

Background

Canagliflozin (CANA) administration increases the risk of lower limb amputation in the clinic. The present study aimed to investigate whether and how CANA interferes with the intracellular physiological processes of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and its contribution to ischaemic lower limb.

Methods

The in vivo blood flow recovery in ischaemic lower limbs following CANA treatment was evaluated. The cellular function of BM-MSCs after CANA treatment were also assessed in vitro. In silico docking analysis and mutant substitution assay were conducted to confirm the interaction of CANA with glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GDH1).

Findings

Following CANA treatment, attenuated angiogenesis and hampered blood flow recovery in the ischaemic region were detected in diabetic and non-diabetic mice, and inhibition of the proliferation and migration of BM-MSCs were also observed. CANA was involved in mitochondrial respiratory malfunction in BM-MSCs and the inhibition of ATP production, cytochrome c release and vessel endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) secretion, which may contribute to reductions in the tissue repair capacity of BM-MSCs. The detrimental effects of CANA on MSCs result from the inhibition of GDH1 by CANA (evidenced by in silico docking analysis and H199A-GDH1/N392A-GDH1 mutant substitution).

Interpretation

Our work highlights that the inhibition of GDH1 activity by CANA interferes with the metabolic activity of the mitochondria, and this interference deteriorates the retention of and VEGFA secretion by MSCs.

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province and Wenzhou Science and Technology Bureau Foundation.

SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure and Type-2 Diabetes: Hitting Two Birds with One Stone?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure (HF) have a tremendous impact worldwide, markedly reducing life-expectancy and quality of life. It is now known that each disease represents a risk factor for the other. Moreover, when they are combined, the prognosis is significantly worse. Until recently, these pathologies have been managed independently. However, their treatment paradigm is rapidly changing, with recent cardiovascular outcome trials showing that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are effective in the management of both diseases. This article explores the interactions between T2DM and HF and the concept of diabetic cardiomyopathy and summarizes recent data regarding the effects of SGLT-2i on HF hospitalization and the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms involved.

A potential diagnostic problem on the ICU: Euglycaemic diabetic Ketoacidosis associated with SGLT2 inhibition

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are the latest class of oral hypoglycaemic agents approved to treat type II diabetes. Their use is increasing and as such more patients will present to critical care whilst on this treatment. However, there have been several case reports of euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis associated with the use of these agents. Under such circumstances the blood glucose is often normal or only moderately elevated and hence the diagnosis may be delayed resulting in inappropriate therapy. In this review we describe a case of SGLT2 mediated ketoacidosis who presented to our intensive care unit, discuss the proposed pathophysiology behind this development of ketoacidosis as well as its potential prevention, management and treatment.

Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Optimal glycemic control is required to restrain the increase of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. The effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on cardiovascular events and mortality in those patients are not well established. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of 3 different SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin) that evaluated the effects on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in the final meta-analysis. The intervention arm was defined either as SGLT2 inhibitor monotherapy or as SGLT2 inhibitor add-on to other non-SGLT2 inhibitor antidiabetic agents (ADAs).

RESULTS

Forty-two trials with a total of 61,076 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control, SGLT2 inhibitor treatment was associated with a reduction in the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.93, P < .0001), myocardial infarction (OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.79-0.94, P = .001), cardiovascular mortality (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.67-0.81, P < .0001) and all cause mortality (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.79-0.92, P < .0001). However, the risk of ischemic stroke was not reduced after SGLT2 inhibitor treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.85-1.07, P = .42).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest a decreased risk of harm with SGLT2 inhibitor as a class with respect to cardiovascular events and mortality.

Empaglifozin mitigates NAFLD in high-fat-fed mice by alleviating insulin resistance, lipogenesis and ER stress

AIM

To evaluate the pleiotropic effects of empagliflozin in the liver through lipogenesis, beta-oxidation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways.

METHODS

Male C57Bl/6 mice, 3 months of age, received a control diet (C, 10% lipids, n = 20) or high-fat diet (HF, 50% lipids, n = 20) for 10 weeks, after that, the groups were subdivided to receive empagliflozin, during 5 weeks at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day added to the diets, totalizing four groups: C, C-EMPA, HF, and HF-EMPA. We performed biochemical analyzes, oral glucose tolerance test, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), indirect calorimetry, liver stereology, western blotting, RT-qPCR for genes related to beta-oxidation, lipogenesis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

RESULTS

After the treatment with empagliflozin, there was a 4% increase in energy expenditure, a 5% reduction in body mass, improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. The expression of Ppar alpha was greater in the HF-EMPA group with a concomitant reduction in the expression of the lipogenic genes Fas, Srebp1c and Ppar gamma, according to protein expression. In addition, HF-EMPA showed a reduction in the genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress Chop, Atf4, and Gadd45.

CONCLUSION

Empagliflozin mitigates the development of NAFLD, confirmed through reduced expression of the genes involved in hepatic lipogenesis and genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress. Thus, empagliflozin may be an important tool to treat the progression of hepatic steatosis.

Cardiovascular, renal and liver protection with novel antidiabetic agents beyond blood glucose lowering in type 2 diabetes: consensus article from the European Society of Hypertension Working Group on Obesity, Diabetes and the High-risk Patient

: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has increased over the past few decades. T2D has a strong genetic propensity that becomes overt when a patient is exposed to a typical Western lifestyle, gain weight and becomes obese, whereas weight loss protects from the development of T2D. Except of lifestyle modifications, the choice of the appropriate treatment is essential in the management of patients with T2D and appears critical for the obese population with T2D. The new pharmacological approach for the treatment of T2D, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, seems to be effective not only in the management of T2D but also for weight loss, reduction of blood pressure and improvement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 analogues reduced cardiovascular risk, prevented cardiovascular disease and mortality, thereby playing an important role in the treatment of obese patients with hypertension and T2D.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety Among Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes - Results from a Retrospective Single-centre Study

Introduction: This retrospective analysis compared the real-world effectiveness and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in India. Methods: All patients initiated on canagliflozin (C; 100 mg), dapagliflozin (D; 10 mg) and empagliflozin (E; 10 mg) between January and December 2016 were identified from an urban outpatient facility. Intra- and inter-group changes in glycaemic and metabolic parameters were recorded. Results: At week 48 (median follow-up), mean changes from baseline in the C (n=29), D (n=65) and E groups (n=27), respectively, were -1.3% (p=0.0002), -0.9% (p<0.0001) and -0.7% (p=0.34) for glycated haemoglobin; -60.9 mg/dL (p=0.00), -50.2 mg/dL (p=0.00) and -46.7 mg/dL (p=0.01) for fasting plasma glucose; -100.6 mg/dL (p=0.00), -79.8 mg/dL (p=0.00) and -90.2 mg/dL (p=0.00) for postprandial plasma glucose; -1.7 kg (p<0.05), -2.1 kg (p=0.0004) and -3.7 kg (p=0.002) for body weight; -5.2 mmHg (p=0.10), -5.8 mmHg (p=0.009); 0.0 mmHg (p=0.80) for systolic blood pressure and -12.2% (p=0.26), -9.2% (p=0.27) and -9.7% (p=0.50) for proportion of patients taking insulin. The incidence rate of hypoglycaemia was 2.4% for C, 1.3% for D, and 6.4% for E group. No significant inter-group differences were noted. Conclusion: Overall intra-group changes in glycaemic and metabolic parameters were significant; however, inter-group changes among SGLT2i were not significant, thereby indicating a class effect of the efficacy and safety parameters.

Generalizability of Cardiovascular Safety Trials on SGLT2 Inhibitors to the Real World: Implications for Clinical Practice

INTRODUCTION

Following the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on the evaluation of novel agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a number of cardiovascular outcomes safety trials (CVOTs) on sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been conducted. These trials show similarities in study design and definition of primary endpoints, but differ in their eligibility criteria. The aim of the present study was to investigate the generalizability of CVOTs on SGLT2i to Italian adults with T2DM; we estimated the proportions of this patient population who would be eligible for enrollment in EMPA-REG OUTCOME (empagliflozin), CANVAS (canagliflozin), DECLARE-TIMI 58 (dapagliflozin), and VERTIS-CV (ertugliflozin) studies.

METHODS

This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in 222 Italian diabetes clinics. Data on 455,662 adult patients with T2DM seen during 2016 were analyzed against the published patient eligibility criteria for the four CVOTs. The current use of SGLT2i in potentially eligible patients was assessed.

RESULTS

Among the population identified, the proportion of patients meeting major eligibility criteria was 11.7% for EMPA-REG OUTCOME, 29.4% for CANVAS, 55.9% for DECLARE-TIMI 58, and 12.8% for VERTIS-CV. Of the patients eligible for these CVOTs, only a minority (range 4.4-6.8%) was actually prescribed an SGLT2i. Compared with patients in the CVOTs, eligible patients in the real world showed older age and longer diabetes duration, lower BMI and HbA1c levels, lower prevalence of established cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, and higher rates of microvascular complications and peripheral arterial disease.

CONCLUSION

The percentage of patients potentially eligible for treatment with SGLT2i varies as a reflection of different eligibility criteria applied in the trials. A large number of patients that could benefit from SGLT2i in terms of not only cardiovascular protection but also renal protection do not receive the treatment.

FUNDING

AstraZeneca.

SGLT2 Inhibitors: A Review of Their Antidiabetic and Cardioprotective Effects

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease associated with high cardiovascular (CV) risk. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are the latest class of antidiabetic medication that inhibit the absorption of glucose from the proximal tubule of the kidney and hence cause glycosuria. Four SGLT2i are currently commercially available in many countries: canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and ertugliflozin. SGLT2i reduce glycated hemoglobin by 0.5%-1.0% and have shown favorable effects on body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, arterial stiffness and endothelial function. More importantly, SGLT2i have demonstrated impressive cardioprotective and renoprotective effects. The main mechanisms underlying their cardioprotective effects have been attributed to improvement in cardiac cell metabolism, improvement in ventricular loading conditions, inhibition of the Na+/H+ exchange in the myocardial cells, alteration in adipokines and cytokines production, as well as reduction of cardiac cells necrosis and cardiac fibrosis. The main adverse events of SGLT2i include urinary tract and genital infections, as well as euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis. Concerns have also been raised about the association of SGLT2i with lower limb amputations, Fournier gangrene, risk of bone fractures, female breast cancer, male bladder cancer, orthostatic hypotension, and acute kidney injury.

Recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to examine risk factors for recurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis and determine interventions to prevent future admissions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Review article.

RESULTS

Recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious and not uncommon health problem. Diabetic ketoacidosis is associated with severe morbidity and mortality and hospital admissions due to this problem constitute a serious economic burden on the healthcare system. Younger age at diabetic ketoacidosis onset, poor baseline glycemic control and elevated HbA1C, patient comorbidities, depression, alcohol or substance abuse, particularly active cocaine use, have been associated with recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis. In addition, socioeconomic factors (such as ethnic minority status, use of public health insurance and underinsurance), psychosocial, economic, and behavioral factors (including financial constraint, stretching a limited insulin supply, and homelessness) have been all reported to be associated with readmission among diabetic ketoacidosis patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying high-risk patients during the first diabetic ketoacidosis admission and performing relevant interventions (repeated instructions of insulin use, social help and involvement of family members in medical treatment, collaboration with the patient's primary care physician in order to establish a close and frequent follow up program) may help prevent future admissions. Further studies need to take place to determine whether early interventions with those factors prevent future admissions.

Effects of empagliflozin on metabolic parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitor that improves cardiovascular risk and promotes weight loss in patients with type-2 diabetes. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with obesity and increased cardiovascular risk; therefore, empagliflozin may be of benefit for these women. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of empagliflozin vs metformin on anthropometric and body composition, hormonal and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized open-label study was conducted in women with PCOS who were randomized to either empagliflozin 25 mg (n = 19) or metformin 1500 mg (n = 20) daily for 12 weeks. The main outcomes assessed were changes in anthropometric and body composition, hormonal and metabolic parameters.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed significant differences in weight (empagliflozin: -1.4 ± 3.2% vs metformin: 1.2 ± 2.3%; P = 0.006), body mass index (empagliflozin: -1.4 ± 3.2% vs metformin: 1.1 ± 2.2%; P = 0.006), waist circumference (empagliflozin: -1.6 ± 2.8% vs metformin: 0.2 ± 2.1%; P = 0.029) and hip circumference (empagliflozin: -2.0 ± 3.0% vs metformin: 1.1 ± 1.9%; P = 0.001), basal metabolic rate (empagliflozin: -1.8 ± 2.9% vs metformin: 0.1 ± 1.9%, P = 0.024) and fat mass (empagliflozin: -0.7 ± 4.9% vs metformin, 3.2 ± 5.0%; P = 0.023) between the empagliflozin and the metformin groups. These differences were confirmed in linear regression analysis after adjustment for relevant covariates. There were no significant changes in hormonal or metabolic parameters between both groups.

CONCLUSION

There was a significant improvement in anthropometric parameters and body composition, in overweight and obese women with PCOS after 12 weeks of treatment with empagliflozin compared to metformin, although no changes were seen in hormonal or metabolic parameters.

A complete review of empagliflozin: Most specific and potent SGLT2 inhibitor used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are the latest class of drugs to be introduced for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). They reduce hyperglycemia by increasing urinary glucose excretion and exert favorable effects beyond glucose control with consistent body weight, blood pressure, and serum uric acid reductions. Empagliflozin is a potent SGLT2 inhibitor used to improve glycemic control in adults with T2DM. It has the highest SGLT2 specificity among all the clinically used or currently tested SGLT2 inhibitors. Low risk of hypoglycemia, absence of weight gain and demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction support its consideration as a first line medication in addition to metformin for patients with T2DM and cardiovascular disease. Mostly reported adverse events are genital mycotic infections, while urinary tract infections and events linked to volume depletion are rather rare. This review covers the complete information on empagliflozin including the history of its development, synthesis, pharmacology and different methods which have been reported for its analysis.

An update on the safety of SGLT2 inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are recommended after metformin for a large spectrum of patients with type 2 diabetes, because of a favorable benefit/risk profile despite a variety of adverse events.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review discusses the safety profile of SGLT2is: initial concerns (cardiovascular safety, acute renal failure, hypoglycemia, urinary and genital infections, volume depletion, bladder cancer), further concerns (euglycemic ketoacidosis, bone fractures) and more recent concerns (lower limb amputation, Fournier's gangrene).

EXPERT OPINION

Overall, the safety profile of SGLT2is is good. The only increased adverse event that was consistently reported in clinical trials and observational studies is genital mycotic infections, with only a borderline increase in urinary tract infections. Among clinical trials, only the CANVAS program reported an unexpected increase in bone fractures and peripheral amputations. A variety of rare adverse events have been described as case reports, including ketoacidosis, amputations and Fournier gangrene, which led to specific warnings by regulatory agencies. Identifying predisposing patient's characteristics and/or precipitating clinical conditions would help prevent the most severe complications. These adverse events should not mask the overall cardiovascular and renal benefit of SGLT2is, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk.

Evidence-Based Consensus on Positioning of SGLT2i in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Indians

The current diabetes management strategies not only aim at controlling glycaemic parameters but also necessitate continuous medical care along with multifactorial risk reduction through a comprehensive management concept. The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a group of evolving antidiabetic agents that have the potential to play a pivotal role in the comprehensive management of patients with diabetes due to their diverse beneficial effects. SGLT2i provide moderate glycaemic control, considerable body weight and blood pressure reduction, and thus have the ability to lower the risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications. Some of the unique characteristics associated with SGLT2i, such as reduction in body weight (more visceral fat mass loss than subcutaneous fat loss), reduction in insulin resistance and improvement in β-cell function, as measured by homeostatic model assessment-β (HOMA-β) could be potentially beneficial and help in overcoming some of the challenges faced by Indian patients with diabetes. In addition, a patient-centric approach with individualised treatment during SGLT2i therapy is inevitable in order to reduce diabetic complications and improve quality of life. Despite their broad benefits profile, the risk of genital tract infections, volume depletion, amputations and diabetic ketoacidosis associated with SGLT2i should be carefully monitored. In this compendium, we systematically reviewed the literature from Medline, Cochrane Library, and other relevant databases and attempted to provide evidence-based recommendations for the positioning of SGLT2i in the management of diabetes in the Indian population.Funding: AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited.

Inhibition of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 in the elderly: clinical and mechanistic insights into safety and efficacy

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the elderly grew sharply over the last decade. Reduced insulin sensitivity and secretory capacity, weight gain, sarcopenia, and elevated adiposity are all common metabolic and body changes in the aging population that favor an increased risk of hypoglycemia, frailty syndrome, falls, and cognitive dysfunction. First line antidiabetic therapy is frequently not safe in older individuals because of its high risk of hypoglycemia and prevalent co-morbid diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) is a new class of antidiabetic therapy that inhibits glucose and sodium reabsorption on renal proximal convoluted tubule. Its effect is well demonstrated in various clinical scenarios in the younger population. This review and metanalysis describe particularities of the SGLT2i on the elderly, with mechanistic insights of the potential benefit and remaining challenges about the use of these drugs in this important age group. Further, we will present a meta-analysis of the main effects of SGLT2i reported in post-hoc studies in which the median age of the subgroups analyzed was over 60 years. Despite the absence of specific clinical trials for this population, our findings suggest that SGLT2i therapy on older individuals is effective to lower glucose and maintain its effect on systolic blood pressure and body weight.

Empagliflozin in posttransplantation diabetes mellitus: A prospective, interventional pilot study on glucose metabolism, fluid volume, and patient safety

The safety and efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in posttransplantation diabetes mellitus is unknown. We converted stable kidney transplant patients to 10 mg empagliflozin, aiming at replacing their insulin therapy (<40 IU/d). N = 14 participants (the required sample size) completed the study visits through 4 weeks and N = 8 through 12 months. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-derived 2-hour glucose (primary end point) increased from 232 ± 82 mg/dL (baseline) to 273 ± 116 mg/dL (4 weeks, P = .06) and to 251 ± 71 mg/dL (12 months, P = .41). Self-monitored blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c were also clinically inferior with empagliflozin monotherapy, such that insulin was reinstituted in 3 of 8 remaining participants. Five participants (2 of them dropouts) vs nine of 24 matched reference patients developed bacterial urinary tract infections (P = .81). In empagliflozin-treated participants, oral glucose insulin sensitivity decreased and beta-cell glucose sensitivity increased at the 4-week and 12-month OGTTs. Estimated glomerular filtration rate and bioimpedance spectroscopy-derived extracellular and total body fluid volumes decreased by 4 weeks, but recovered. All participants lost body weight. No participant developed ketoacidosis; 1 patient developed balanitis. In conclusion, although limited by sample size and therefore preliminary, these results suggest that empagliflozin can safely be used as add-on therapy, if posttransplant diabetes patients are monitored closely (NCT03113110).

Diabetes pharmacotherapy and effects on the musculoskeletal system

Persons with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher fracture risk than age-matched persons without diabetes, attributed to disease-specific deficits in the microarchitecture and material properties of bone tissue. Therefore, independent effects of diabetes drugs on skeletal integrity are vitally important. Studies of incretin-based therapies have shown divergent effects of different agents on fracture risk, including detrimental, beneficial, and neutral effects. The sulfonylurea class of drugs, owing to its hypoglycemic potential, is thought to amplify the risk of fall-related fractures, particularly in the elderly. Other agents such as the biguanides may, in fact, be osteo-anabolic. In contrast, despite similarly expected anabolic properties of insulin, data suggests that insulin pharmacotherapy itself, particularly in type 2 diabetes, may be a risk factor for fracture, negatively associated with determinants of bone quality and bone strength. Finally, sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors have been associated with an increased risk of atypical fractures in select populations, and possibly with an increase in lower extremity amputation with specific SGLT2I drugs. The role of skeletal muscle, as a potential mediator and determinant of bone quality, is also a relevant area of exploration. Currently, data regarding the impact of glucose lowering medications on diabetes-related muscle atrophy is more limited, although preclinical studies suggest that various hypoglycemic agents may have either aggravating (sulfonylureas, glinides) or repairing (thiazolidinediones, biguanides, incretins) effects on skeletal muscle atrophy, thereby influencing bone quality. Hence, the therapeutic efficacy of each hypoglycemic agent must also be evaluated in light of its impact, alone or in combination, on musculoskeletal health, when determining an individualized treatment approach. Moreover, the effect of newer medications (potentially seeking expanded clinical indication into the pediatric age range) on the growing skeleton is largely unknown. Herein, we review the available literature regarding effects of diabetes pharmacotherapy, by drug class and/or by clinical indication, on the musculoskeletal health of persons with diabetes.