The effects of sodium-glucose cotransporters type 2 inhibitors on glycemic and extraglycemic laboratory parameters

Abstract

Background

An ideal glucose-lowering drug is expected to not only improve glycemic control, but also have positive effects on weight, blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and also cardiovascular and renal outcomes.

Objective

To investigate and compare the impact of Sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on glycemic and extraglycemic laboratory parameters and the parameters which affect this impact.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted between January 2022 and December 2022. A total of 250 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using SGLT2i were included in the study.

Results

Patients had a mean age of 55.4 ± 9.6, and 53.6% (n = 134) were male. Among the patients, 19.6% (n = 49) used dapagliflozin and 80.4% (n = 201) used empagliflozin. Glucose, HbA1c, and triglyceride levels at 3 and 6 months showed significant reductions compared to baseline, while serum sodium and HDL-C levels showed significant increases (p < 0.001). Additionally, creatinine and serum potassium levels at 6 months were significantly higher than baseline, while LDL-C and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio levels were significantly lower. Empagliflozin users exhibited significantly higher creatinine levels only at 3. months, higher serum sodium levels only at 6. months, and lower HbA1c levels only at 6. months compared to dapagliflozin users.

Conclusion

While SGLT2i seem to provide positive effects on the lipid profile, as well as their well-recognized effects on glycemic parameters, there may be value in further evaluating renal safety and the long-term alterations in lipid profile.