In a nutshell
This review focused on the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) on heart failure hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This analysis showed that SGLT-2is may reduce the risk of heart failure hospitalizations in these patients.
Some background
Patients with T2D have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to non-diabetic individuals. Heart failure is a significant problem among these patients. Patients with T2D with heart failure require complicated medical treatments that can increase the risk for heart failure hospitalization.
SGLT-2is are glucose-lowering agents that work by preventing the kidney from reabsorbing glucose back in the blood. Therefore, glucose is eliminated through the urine. Previous studies showed that SGLT-2is may provide cardiovascular safety benefits such as a reduced risk of heart failure in high-risk patients. However, recent evidence has been published. Therefore, it is important to reevaluate whether SGLT-2is affect the risk of heart failure hospitalizations in patients with T2D.
Methods & findings
This review analyzed data from 8 control trials comparing SGLT-2i treatment with placebo in patients with T2D. Overall, 55,763 patients were included in these trials. Patients were followed up between 1 and 4.2 years.
Patients taking SGLT-2is were 37% less likely to be hospitalized for heart failure compared to those that received a placebo. This effect was seen for all SGLT-2i agents used such as empagliflozin (Jardiance), canagliflozin (Invokana), ertugliflozin (Steglatro), and dapagliflozin (Forxiga).
Patients taking SGLT-2i were also 8% less likely to develop major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) such as stroke, heart attacks, or death compared to patients that received a placebo. There was a 22% reduced risk of cardiovascular death in patients taking SGLT-2i when compared to the placebo.
The bottom line
This review showed that SGLT-2i may reduce the risk of heart failure hospitalizations in patients with T2D. The authors suggested that these medications may ideal for patients with heart failure.
The fine print
Studies were limited for a few SGLT-2i agents.
What’s next?
Consult your doctor if you have questions about SGLT-2i for heart failure in T2D.
Published By :
Frontiers in Endocrinology
Date :
Feb 02, 2021
