In a nutshell
In this study, researchers compared dapagliflozin (forxiga) to a placebo to assess how well dapagliflozin controls blood sugar levels and body weight in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients whose disease is not well-controlled by the drug metformin (glucophage).
Some background
To maintain optimal health, T2D patients’ blood sugar should be monitored and maintained at normal levels. Losing weight is also recommended because it helps control blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of serious complications. Metformin (glucophage) is currently the standard of care in the management of T2D. Unfortunately, some patients are unresponsive to current therapies. Furthermore, most blood sugar-lowering drugs carry unwanted side effects, including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), weight gain, and an increased risk of bone fractures. A new blood sugar-lowering drug, dapagliflozin, has been developed. Although it has been reported to control blood sugar levels better than some other drugs, its long-term safety and side effects have not yet been established. Because dapagliflozin works by preventing sugar absorption in the kidneys, it is important to assess whether it also prevents absorption of important nutrients, such as calcium, which could lead to bone fractures.
Methods & findings
Researchers compared 140 patients, 69 of which received dapagliflozin and 71 who received a placebo and metformin. All patients had previously taken metformin for at least 12 weeks before the study began. After 102 weeks, HbA1c (a measurement indicating average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months) was reduced by 0.3% more in the dapagliflozin group compared to the placebo group. Dapagliflozin patients also lost more body weight, body fat, and waist circumference than patients receiving the placebo. Furthermore, dapagliflozin was not linked to a greater risk of bone fractures or hypoglycemic events.
The bottom line
Dapagliflozin controls blood sugar effectively in T2D patients and helps reduce body weight without adversely affecting bone health.
The fine print
Several of the study’s authors have received compensation from Bristol Meyers, Squibb or AstraZeneca, who jointly developed dapagliflozin (forxiga). As of January 2014, dapagliflozin is approved by the FDA for the management of type 2 diabetes.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician regarding the benefits of dapagliflozin in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Published By :
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Date :
Aug 01, 2013
