Do SGLT2 inhibitors prevent cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes?

This study investigated whether SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter-2) inhibitors reduced the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

They found that SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality compared to other treatment types. 

Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular (heart and circulatory system) disease. To minimize this risk, glucose control is important. There are several types of glucose-lowering medications.

Sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors prevent the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose into the blood. Recent evidence showed SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the rate of cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients. It is not clear whether this is true for non-high risk patients.

This study investigated if SGLT2 inhibitors are effective in broad range of patients with varying risk.

This study was observational. 435,629 patients who were taking SGLT2 inhibitors and other glucose-lowering drugs were included in the study. Patient medical records were examined to assess if any cardiovascular-related occurred while taking the medication.

Patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors such as dapagliflozin (Farxiga), empagliflozin (Jardiance), and canagliflozin (Invokana) had a reduced risk of cardiovascular events compared to patients taking other glucose-lowering medications. This included a reduced risk of mortality (death) (-47%), major cardiovascular events (-22%) and heart failure (-30%). SGLT2 inhibitors were also associated with a reduced risk of severe hypoglycemia (-24%, dangerously low blood glucose). 

This study concluded that SGLT2 inhibitor use is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease and mortality.

This study was conducted in a Scandinavian population. This finding may not translate to other populations/ethnicities. Over 90% of SGLT2 inhibitor patients were taking dapagliflozin.

If you have type 2 diabetes and any concerns regarding cardiovascular risk then please discuss this with your physician.