Empagliflozin reduces the risk of mortality in type 2 diabetes

This study examined whether empagliflozin (Jardiance) reduces the risk of mortality in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. The authors concluded that T2D patients treated with empagliflozin have a lower risk of mortality.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Patients with T2D have a higher risk of developing CVD. T2D patients with CVD have a higher mortality risk. Reducing blood glucose (sugar) levels may reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke and mortality.

Empagliflozin is a drug used to reduce blood glucose levels in T2D patients. It is not known whether empagliflozin reduces the cardiovascular mortality risk in T2D patients.

This study aimed to determine the effect of empagliflozin on cardiovascular outcomes in T2D patients. This study involved 7020 T2D patients divided into three groups. One group received 10 mg empagliflozin once daily. A second group received 25 mg empagliflozin once daily. The remaining group received a placebo (substance with no therapeutic effect) once daily.

All participants were at high risk of CVD and all participants were receiving standard care. Participants were followed for an average of 3.1 years. 

There was no difference between groups in the number of participants who had a heart attack or stroke. Mortality due to cardiovascular causes was 38% lower in the empagliflozin-treated group compared to the placebo. Hospitalization for heart failure was 35% lower in the empagliflozin-treated group compared to the placebo. Mortality due to any cause was 32% lower in empagliflozin-treated groups compared to the placebo.

Empagliflozin-treated patients experienced a higher rate of genital infection, but no other increased side effects.

This study concluded that T2D patients treated with empagliflozin have a lower risk of mortality due to cardiovascular causes and mortality due to any cause.

This study was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly, the companies who developed the drug.

Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of empagliflozin for the treatment of T2D.