Does ipragliflozin have long-term benefits?

This study investigated the long-term effects of ipragliflozin (Suglat) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). It was determined that ipragliflozin showed long-term beneficial effects on blood glucose control, weight, and kidney function.

Ipragliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor. SGLT2 inhibitors are medications for T2M that reduce blood glucose levels by preventing the re-uptake of glucose into the blood from the kidneys. This increases the elimination of glucose in the kidneys. Some evidence suggests that ipragliflozin may improve diabetic nephropathy (disease that affects kidney function in people with diabetes), body weight, and HbA1c levels (measures average blood glucose over the last 3 months), at least in the short-term. However, the long-term effects of ipragliflozin are still under investigation.

50 adults with T2D participated in this study. They all received ipragliflozin for 24 weeks, in addition to their usual treatments. 47 participants were still followed up for a total of 104 weeks. 43 of those participants were still taking ipragliflozin at 104 weeks. They were monitored in hospitals or clinics using blood tests for the evaluation of kidney function and diabetes control. Weight and blood pressure were also monitored.

Participants’ HbA1c levels, fasting blood glucose (blood glucose levels after a period without food or drink) and weight were reduced at 24 weeks. They also remained reduced after 104 weeks. Blood pressure did not change significantly during the study. These changes were not affected by a participant’s kidney function.

Participants’ kidney function appeared stable, or improved, after 104 weeks. This was seen in participants who began the study with low kidney function or diabetic nephropathy, as well as in those who did not.

10 participants (20%) experienced side effects. Most of these were infections of the urinary and genital tracts, which responded to antibiotic treatment.

The study concluded that ipragliflozin improved HbA1c levels, body weight, and kidney function in both the short-term and long-term.

This study examined a small number of participants. Therefore, the results may not apply equally to all people with T2D. They were also being treated with medications, other than ipragliflozin, which may have affected the results.

Discuss the safety and effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors with your physician.