In a nutshell
This trial investigated the relationship between weight loss, lower blood glucose (sugar) levels and lower blood pressure in type 2 diabetics treated with canagliflozin.
Some background
Many patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are overweight or obese. Losing weight is known to reduce or eliminate diabetes. Most of the current treatments for T2D reduce blood glucose levels without affecting the patient’s weight. Canagliflozin (Invokana) is a drug which reduces the amount of glucose by increasing how much is removed from the body in the urine. It promotes weight loss in T2D patients and also reduces blood pressure. However, the effects of the weight loss on blood glucose levels and blood pressure are not known.
Methods & findings
This study combined the results of 4 previous studies, including 2250 T2D patients. In each study patients were divided into 3 groups. One group received a placebo (substance that does not have drug with no effect on the body). Another group received a low dose of canagliflozin (100 mg), while the third group received a higher dose of canagliflozin (300 mg). The placebo or treatment were taken once a day for 26 weeks.
Both the low dose and high dose of canagliflozin reduced body weight, blood pressure and the HbA1c (average blood glucose levels over 3 months). Between 82% and 85% of patients receiving canagliflozin lost weight, compared to 55% of those receiving placebo. Between 64% and 67% of patients receiving canagliflozin saw reduced blood pressure, compared to 50% of the placebo group. A larger weight loss was associated with greater decreases in HbA1c and blood pressure. Weight loss contributed to 15% of the reduction in HbA1c and 42% of the reduction in blood pressure.
The bottom line
This trial concluded that canagliflozin reduced body weight in T2D patients and this reduction in body weight results in lower blood glucose levels and a lower blood pressure.
The fine print
This study was funded by Jansen Pharmaceuticals, the company which developed the drug.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of canagliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Published By :
Diabetologia
Date :
Mar 29, 2015
