Differential cardiovascular profiles of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: critical evaluation of empagliflozin

SGLT2 Inhibitors: Cardiovascular Benefits Beyond HbA1c-Translating Evidence into Practice

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart failure (HF), is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). CVD and T2DM share common risk factors for development and progression, and there is significant overlap between the conditions in terms of worsening outcomes. In assessing the cardiovascular (CV) safety profiles of anti-diabetic drugs, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) therapies have emerged with robust evidence for reducing the risk of adverse CVD outcomes in people with T2DM who have either established CVD or are at risk of developing CVD. A previous consensus document from the Improving Diabetes Steering Committee has examined the potential role of SGLT2is in T2DM management and considered the risk-benefit profile of the class and the appropriate place for these medicines within the T2DM pathway. This paper builds on these findings and presents practical guidance for maximising the pleiotropic benefits of this class of medicines in people with T2DM in terms of reducing adverse CVD outcomes. The Improving Diabetes Steering Committee aims to offer evidence-based practical guidance for the use of SGLT2i therapies in people with T2DM stratified by CVD risk. This is of particular importance currently because some treatment guidelines have not been updated to reflect recent evidence from cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs) and real-world studies that complement the CVOTs. The Improving Diabetes Steering Committee seeks to support healthcare professionals (HCPs) in appropriate treatment selection for people with T2DM who are at risk of developing or have established CVD and examines the role of SGLT2i therapy for these people.Funding: Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited.

Consensus recommendations for management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases

The recent American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes guideline mentioned glycaemia management in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); however, it did not cover the treatment approaches for patients with T2DM having a high risk of CVD, and treatment and screening approaches for CVDs in patients with concomitant T2DM. This consensus guideline undertakes the data obtained from all the cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) to propose approaches for the T2DM management in presence of CV comorbidities. For patients at high risk of CVD, metformin is the drug of choice to manage the T2DM to achieve a patient specific HbA1c target. In case of established CVD, a combination of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist with proven CV benefits is recommended along with metformin, while for chronic kidney disease or heart failure, a sodium-glucose transporter proteins-2 inhibitor with proven benefit is advised. This document also summarises various screening and investigational approaches for the major CV events with their accuracy and specificity along with the treatment guidance to assist the healthcare professionals in selecting the best management strategies for every individual. Since lifestyle modification and management plays an important role in maintaining the effectiveness of the pharmacological therapies, authors of this consensus recommendation have also briefed on the patient-centric non-pharmacological management of T2DM and CVD.

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes: a systematic literature review of scientific evidence from across the world in 2007-2017

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common comorbidity in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). CVD's prevalence has been growing over time.

PURPOSE

To estimate the current prevalence of CVD among adults with T2DM by reviewing literature published within the last 10 years (2007-March 2017).

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, and proceedings of major scientific meetings for original research documenting the prevalence of CVD in T2DM. CVD included stroke, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular death. No restrictions were placed on country of origin or publication language. Two reviewers independently searched for articles and extracted data, adjudicating results through consensus. Data were summarized descriptively. Risk of bias was examined by applying the STROBE checklist.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 57 articles with 4,549,481 persons having T2DM. Europe produced the most articles (46%), followed by the Western Pacific/China (21%), and North America (13%). Overall in 4,549,481 persons with T2DM, 52.0% were male, 47.0% were obese, aged 63.6 ± 6.9 years old, with T2DM duration of 10.4 ± 3.7 years. CVD affected 32.2% overall (53 studies, N = 4,289,140); 29.1% had atherosclerosis (4 studies, N = 1153), 21.2% had coronary heart disease (42 articles, N = 3,833,200), 14.9% heart failure (14 studies, N = 601,154), 14.6% angina (4 studies, N = 354,743), 10.0% myocardial infarction (13 studies, N = 3,518,833) and 7.6% stroke (39 studies, N = 3,901,505). CVD was the cause of death in 9.9% of T2DM patients (representing 50.3% of all deaths). Risk of bias was low; 80 ± 12% of STROBE checklist items were adequately addressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Globally, overall CVD affects approximately 32.2% of all persons with T2DM. CVD is a major cause of mortality among people with T2DM, accounting for approximately half of all deaths over the study period. Coronary artery disease and stroke were the major contributors.

SGLT2 inhibitors as add on therapy in type 2 diabetes: a real world study

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive chronic disease associated with severe microvascular and macrovascular complications. Our aim is to assess the real world effectiveness of SGT" inhibitors in achieving metabolic therapeutic goals.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational study. Inclusion criteria for patients were a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, age > 18 years, patients receiving either dapagliflozin 10 mg and/or canagliflozin 300 mg. We excluded pregnant patients, patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and acute metabolic complications of diabetes. Patients included in the analysis were enrolled in a health plan at least 6 months prior to the index date (baseline period) and in the 6 months following the index date (follow-up period). Achievement of glycated hemoglobin goals were established as <7%.

RESULTS

We screened 2870 Mexican patients; 288 (10.03% received SGLT2 inhibitors). Mean age for both groups of patients was 57.68 ± 11.06 years. The dapagliflozin control rate was 19.56% and the canagliflozin control rate 18.96%. Monotherapy with SGLT2 inhibitors was used in 21 patients (6.25%). Overall HbA1c goals were met in 56 patients (19.44%) with similar results with dapagliflozin or canagliflozin. The combination of SGLT2 inhibitors and sulfonylureas had the highest control rate (30.30%) compared to other regimens. Monotherapy was present in 6.25%. Insulin requirement was associated with poor control (2.8% vs. 18.05%, P < 0.05, 95% CI [0.07, 0.84]). Combination therapy with DPP4 inhibitors was associated with better control (P < 0.05, 95% CI, [1.10, 3.92]).

CONCLUSION

No difference between the drugs was observed. Real-world effectiveness data of SGLT2 inhibitors show that the percentage of patients reaching metabolic goals is low. SLGT2 inhibitors were used more frequently as combined therapy.