Empagliflozin combination treatment for type 2 diabetes

This study examined whether empagliflozin was safe and effective in combination with metformin and a sulfonylurea in the long-term treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initially produce insulin (hormone which lowers blood sugar levels) but it fails to work in the body.  Eventually, the pancreas stops producing insulin. Drugs such as metformin (Glucophage) aim to help insulin work in the body. Drugs such as sulphonylureas increase insulin release from the pancreas. Empagliflozin (Jardiance) decreases blood glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. It has been shown to be safe and effective for the short-term treatment of T2D when combined with metformin and a sulphonylurea. However, it is currently unknown whether this combination is safe and effective for the long-term treatment of T2D.

This study aimed to determine whether empagliflozin was safe and effective as a combination treatment for the long-term treatment of T2D.

This study involved 472 T2D patients divided into three groups. One group received 10 mg empagliflozin, along with metformin and a sulphonylurea. Another group received the same treatment, but a higher dose (25 mg) of empagliflozin. The remaining group received a placebo (substance with no therapeutic effect). Patients were followed for more than one year.

After 76 weeks, the HbA1c (average blood sugar levels over three months) was lower (-0.7%) in patients treated with either dose of the empagliflozin combination. Patients treated with the empagliflozin combination had a lower body weight (average of 1.7 kg reduction in weight compared to placebo).

There was no significant difference between the groups in the number of patients who experienced low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia).

This study concluded that empagliflozin is safe and effective for the long-term treatment of T2D when used in combination with metformin and a sulfonylurea.

Consult your physician regarding availability of empagliflozin.