Cardiovascular Safety, Long-Term Noncardiovascular Safety, and Efficacy of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis

Associations Between Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors and Urologic Diseases: Implications for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms From a Multi-State Health System Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the frequency of new urologic visits and urologic diagnoses in patients prescribed sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Records from a multi-state health system between 2014 and 2022 were reviewed to identify patients referred for outpatient urology evaluation within 2 years of diabetes medication prescription. Patients were stratified by the prescription of SGLT-2is or another diabetes medication. Frequency of urology visits within 1-year, urologic diagnoses, and prescriptions to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were compared. Patients were stratified by whether they had achieved HbA1c goal (≥7% or <7%) following treatment as well as by sex. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine if SGLT-2 use independently predicted outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

163,827 patients met inclusion criteria. Use of SGLT-2is was associated with a higher frequency of early urologic referral, balanitis/balanoposthitis, overactive bladder, urinary frequency, urgency, and need for LUTS medications in males with HbA1c ≥7%. Females on SGLT-2is with HbA1c ≥7% also had higher rates of urinary incontinence. In those with HbA1c <7%, only balanitis/balanoposthitis and urinary incontinence were higher in the SGLT-2i cohorts for males and females, respectively. Multivariable analysis found SGLT-2i use as predictive of early urology referral, balanitis/balanoposthitis, urinary urgency, frequency, overactive bladder, and need for LUTS medications in males. Multivariable analysis of females demonstrated similar results.

CONCLUSION

SGLT-2is may lead to worse urologic outcomes and increased utilization of urologic care relative to other diabetic medications. Future studies are necessary to identify which patients are at highest risk of adverse urologic outcomes.

Clinical value of adding Dapagliflozin in patients with nephrotic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in nephrotic patients on immunosuppression are underexplored. We evaluated dapagliflozin's impact in non-diabetic primary nephrotic syndrome.

METHODS

Randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 non-diabetic primary nephrotic syndrome patients, equally assigned to dapagliflozin and control groups. All patients received the standard of care medication and the Dapagliflozin group received 10 mg dapagliflozin in addition. Demographic data, nephrotic syndrome etiology, proteinuria levels, eGFR, and immunosuppression doses, were well-matched. After 6 months of follow up primary outcomes included changes in and eGFR.

RESULTS

Both groups exhibited significant reductions in proteinuria after 6 months, with the dapagliflozin group achieving a mean UPCR reduction of  - 94.7%, and the control group  - 86.7% (p < 0.001). However, the comparative change in proteinuria between both groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.158). Dapagliflozin initially led to a transient eGFR decline. Dapagliflozin also resulted in a significant mean body weight reduction (p < 0.001) and notable improvements in triglyceride levels compared to the control group (p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

In primary nephrotic syndrome patients, adjunct dapagliflozin may enhance the standard of care. While notable, the reduction in proteinuria was comparable to that of the control group by the study's end. Furthermore, after 6 months, eGFR remained stable in both groups. However, significant weight loss and serum triglyceride reduction were particularly pronounced in the dapagliflozin group. Further long-term investigations are necessary to address potential immunosuppression-related confounding effects in patients with primary glomerular disease.

Key results from observational studies and real-world evidence of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor effectiveness and safety in reducing cardio-renal risk

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, originally designed to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), have emerged as a crucial class of drugs for managing cardio-renal diseases. These drugs work by targeting the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys, promoting the excretion of glucose and influencing metabolic pathways beyond glucose control. The relationship between cardio-renal diseases and SGLT2 inhibitors has been explored through landmark trials and real-world evidence (RWE) studies, demonstrating significant reductions in cardio-renal complications. This review discusses the importance of RWE studies alongside randomized controlled trials in understanding the real-world effectiveness and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors. It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of RWE compared to RCTs, highlighting their complementary roles in providing comprehensive insights into treatment outcomes. By examining a range of RWE studies, the review underscores the cardio-renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors across various patient populations. Safety assessments indicate that SGLT2 inhibitors are generally well tolerated, with severe adverse events being rare. Common issues, such as genital mycotic infections and urinary tract infections, are acknowledged, alongside less frequent but significant adverse events including diabetic ketoacidosis, lower-limb amputations, and bone fractures. In summary, SGLT2 inhibitors show promising cardio-renal protective effects in real-world scenarios across diverse populations in T2D, indicating their potential as early intervention measures. Continued research is essential for gaining a thorough understanding of their long-term effects and safety profiles.

Research advances in the anti-inflammatory effects of SGLT inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most significant global burden diseases. It is well established that a chronic, systemic, low-grade inflammatory condition is strongly correlated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and the development of target-organ damage (TOD). Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLTis), novel oral drugs for the treatment of diabetes, act mainly by reducing glucose reabsorption in proximal renal tubules and/or the intestine. Several high-quality clinical trials and large observational studies have revealed that SGLTis significantly improve cardiovascular and renal outcomes in T2D patients. Increasing evidence suggests that this is closely related to their anti-inflammatory properties, which are mainly manifested by a reduction in plasma concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers. This review analyses the potential mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory effects of SGLTis in diabetes and presents recent evidence of their therapeutic efficacy in treating diabetes and related TOD.

Secular trends in the utility of SGLT-2 inhibitors in heart failure patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus across Metro South Health hospitals in South-East Queensland

BACKGROUND

The 2018 Australian Heart Failure (HF) guidelines strongly recommended commencing sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) in HF patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The uptake of SGLT-2is for HF patients with T2DM in our health service is unknown.

AIMS

To determine the adoption of the 2018 HF guidelines by assessing the temporal trends of SGLT-2is' usage in HF patients with T2DM at Metro South Health (MSH) hospitals, in South-East Queensland.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all HF patients (ejection fraction (EF) < 50%) with T2DM who were managed within MSH hospitals between June 2018 and June 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 666 patients met the inclusion criteria with 918 HF encounters. Mean age was 72 years and 71% were male (473/666). Mean EF was 30% (SD ± 11%), and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 48 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD ± 25). Fifty-four per cent (362/666) had contraindications to SGLT-2is. Among those without contraindications, there was a five-fold increase in the utility of SGLT-2is, 7% (2/29) before versus 38% (103/275) after implementation of the HF guidelines (P < 0.001). Patients on SGLT-2is were younger (64 years vs 69 years, P = 0.002) and had a lower number of HF hospitalisations (1.1 vs 2.1, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

During the study period, 54% of our HF patients with T2DM were not on SGLT-2is due to prescribing guidelines/limitations in the Australian context. We observed a five-fold significant increase in the uptake of SGLT-2is before and after implementation of HF guidelines among patients without contraindications to SGLT-2is. There were significantly fewer HF hospitalisations among patients on SGLT-2is compared to those without.

Safety of sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the association between the use of sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) and the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), lower limb amputation (LLA), urinary tract infections (UTI), genital tract infections (GTI), bone fracture, and hypoglycemia in cohort studies. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed and Embase databases to identify cohort studies comparing the safety of SGLT-2i versus other glucose-lowering drugs (oGLD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Primary endpoints were DKA and LLA, while secondary endpoints included UTI, GTI, bone fracture, and hypoglycemia. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: A total of 9,911,454 patients from 40 cohort studies were included in the analysis. SGLT-2i use was associated with a higher risk of DKA (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07-1.38, p = 0.003) and GTI (HR: 2.72, 95% CI: 2.48-2.98, p < 0.01). However, it was not associated with an increased risk of LLA (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.92-1.23, p = 0.42), UTI (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.89-1.10, p = 0.83), or bone fracture (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.94-1.04, p = 0.66). Furthermore, SGLT-2i was associated with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia. Furthermore, compared to dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, SGLT-2i as a class and individually was associated with an increased risk of DKA. Canagliflozin specifically increased the risk of LLA (HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04-1.36, p = 0.01). The subgroup analysis suggested that SGLT-2i increased the risk of LLA among patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: SGLT-2i versus oGLD was associated with a similar occurrence of LLA, UTI, and bone fracture. However, SGLT-2i was associated with a higher risk of DKA and GTI than oGLD. These findings provide valuable information on the safety profile of SGLT-2i in patients with T2DM and can help inform clinical decision-making.

Efficacy and Safety of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors to Decrease the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

Cardiovascular disorders are one of the most frequent causes of death in people throughout the world. These disorders can account for the deaths of 31% of people worldwide. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in lowering the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. The study aimed to evaluate various types of research, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies, to analyze how SGLT2 inhibitors impact cardiovascular disorders and establish evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. The data in this research study were collected from 19 relevant published research articles. The key findings emphasized the potential advantages of SGLT2 inhibitors in reducing major cardiovascular disorders, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Nonetheless, the study had certain limitations, including reliance on existing literature, exclusion of articles published prior to 2018, and restriction to English-language studies. Despite these limitations, this study contributed significantly to understanding the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in decreasing cardiovascular risk.

Anti-Glycolytic Drugs in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Systemic and Locoregional Options

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Locoregional therapies, including transarterial embolization (TAE: bland embolization), chemoembolization (TACE), and radioembolization, have demonstrated survival benefits when treating patients with unresectable HCC. TAE and TACE occlude the tumor's arterial supply, causing hypoxia and nutritional deprivation and ultimately resulting in tumor necrosis. Embolization blocks the aerobic metabolic pathway. However, tumors, including HCC, use the "Warburg effect" and survive hypoxia from embolization. An adaptation to hypoxia through the Warburg effect, which was first described in 1956, is when the cancer cells switch to glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. Hence, this is also known as aerobic glycolysis. In this article, the adaptation mechanisms of HCC, including glycolysis, are discussed, and anti-glycolytic treatments, including systemic and locoregional options that have been previously reported or have the potential to be utilized in the treatment of HCC, are reviewed.

Diagnosis and Non-Invasive Treatment of Obesity in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Guidelines

Obesity, a chronic disease with multifactorial etiopathogenesis, is characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. Obesity prevalence is growing globally at an alarming rate. The overwhelming majority of obesity cases are caused by inappropriate lifestyles, such as overconsumption of food and inadequate physical activity. Metabolic and biochemical changes due to increased adiposity resulted in numerous comorbidities, increased all-cause mortality, and reduced quality of life. T2DM (type 2 diabetes mellitus) and obesity have many common pathogenetic points and drive each other in a vicious cycle. The aim of this article is to review obesity management guidelines and highlight the most important points. Management of both obesity-related and T2DM complications incur enormous expenses on healthcare systems. It is, therefore, paramount to provide streamlined yet custom-tailored weight management in order to avoid the negative ramifications of both diseases. Efficient obesity treatment leads to better diabetes control since some antidiabetic medications support weight reduction. Obesity treatment should be overseen by a multi-disciplinary team providing indispensable information and individually tailored regimens to patients. Weight management should be multimodal and consist chiefly of MNT (medical nutrition therapy), physical activity, and lifestyle changes. A comprehensive approach to obesity treatment may give tangible results to quality of life and comorbidities.

Evaluating the Safety of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in a Nationwide Veterans Health Administration Observational Cohort Study

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) are indicated in patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or heart failure. Postmarket surveillance data have identified many safety signals which warrants further investigation. We aimed to compare the safety of SGLT-2i and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA). Using the Veterans Health Administration nationwide database, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were newly initiated on a SGLT-2i or GLP-1RA between April 1, 2013 and September 1, 2020 were identified. The primary outcome was the incidence of any amputation, below-knee amputation (BKA), all clinical fractures, hip fracture, Fournier gangrene, acute pancreatitis, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), serious urinary tract infections (UTIs), and venous thromboembolism (VTE). All outcomes were compared between the treatment groups. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for the comparative analysis. A total of 70,694 propensity-matched new users of SGLT-2i and GLP-1RA were identified. The use of SGLT-2 inhibitors, compared with GLP-1RA, was not associated with an increased rate of any amputation (aHR 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82 to 1.27), BKA (aHR 1.05, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.32), all clinical fractures (aHR 0.94, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.03), hip fractures (aHR 0.82, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.32), DKA (aHR 1.66, 95% CI 0.97 to 2.85), VTE (aHR 1.02, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.30), acute pancreatitis (aHR 1.02, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.30), and Fournier gangrene (aHR 0.92 95% CI 0.61 to 1.38). Lower rates of serious UTIs were observed in the SGLT-2i group than in the GLP-1RA group (aHR 0.74, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.84). This real-world study found that SGLT-2i use compared with GLP-1RA did not increase the rate of amputation, BKA, clinical fractures, hip fracture, Fournier gangrene, acute pancreatitis, DKA, serious UTIs, and VTE in veteran patients.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and non-small cell lung cancer survival

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a relatively new class of antidiabetic drugs with demonstrated renal and cardiovascular disease benefit. This study evaluates the role of SGLT2 inhibitors on the survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

METHODS

We used National Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked data. Twenty four thousand nine hundred fifteen NSCLC patients newly diagnosed between 2014 and 2017 with pre-exiting diabetes and aged 66 years or older were included and followed to the end of 2019. Information on SGLT2 inhibitors use was extracted from the Medicare Part D file.

RESULTS

SGLT2 inhibitor use was associated with significantly reduced mortality risk after adjusting for potential confounders (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.60-0.77) with stronger association for longer duration of use (HR = 0.54, 85% CI = 0.44-0.68). Further, we found that SGLT2 inhibitor use was associated with a significant reduced risk of mortality regardless of patients' demographic, tumour characteristics and cancer treatments.

CONCLUSION

Our large SEER-Medicare linked data study indicates that SGLT2 inhibitors use was associated with improved overall survival of NSCLC patients with pre-existing diabetes. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and elucidate the possible mechanisms behind the association.

Insight on Infections in Diabetic Setting

The correlation between diabetes mellitus and infectious diseases is widely recognized. DM patients are characterized by the impaired function of the immune system. This translates into the occurrence of a variety of infections, including urinary tract, skin and surgical site infections, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and, more recently, SARS-CoV-2. Hyperglycemia has been identified as a relevant factor contributing to unfavorable outcomes in hospitalized patients including SARS-CoV-2 patients. Several studies have been performed proving that to maintain the proper and stringent monitoring of glycemia, a balanced diet and physical activity is mandatory to reduce the risk of infections and their associated complications. This review is focused on the mechanisms accounting for the increased susceptibility of DM patients to infections, with particular attention to the impact of newly introduced hypoglycemic drugs in sepsis management.

Association of adverse respiratory events with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors among patients with type 2 diabetes in South Korea: a nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Impaired respiratory function remains underrecognized in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), despite common pulmonary impairment. Meanwhile, there is little data available on the respiratory effects of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). Hence, we examined the association between SGLT2i use and the risk of adverse respiratory events in a real-world setting.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based, nationwide cohort study using an active-comparator new-user design and nationwide claims data of South Korea from January 2015 to December 2020. Among individuals aged 18 years or older, propensity score matching was done to match each new user of SGLT2is with dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4is), with patients followed up according to an as-treated definition. The primary outcome was respiratory events, a composite endpoint of acute pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, and respiratory failure. Secondary outcomes were the individual components of the primary outcome and in-hospital death. Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Of 205,534 patient pairs in the propensity score matched cohort, the mean age of the entire cohort was 53.8 years and 59% were men, with a median follow-up of 0.66 years; all baseline covariates achieved balance between the two groups. Incidence rates for overall respiratory events were 4.54 and 7.54 per 1000 person-years among SGLT2i and DPP4i users, respectively, corresponding to a rate difference of 3 less events per 1000 person-years (95% CI - 3.44 to - 2.55). HRs (95% CIs) were 0.60 (0.55 to 0.64) for the composite respiratory endpoint, 0.35 (0.23 to 0.55) for acute pulmonary edema, 0.44 (0.18 to 1.05) for ARDS, 0.61 (0.56 to 0.66) for pneumonia, 0.49 (0.31 to 0.76) for respiratory failure, and 0.46 (0.41 to 0.51) for in-hospital death. Similar trends were found across individual SGLT2is, subgroup analyses of age, sex, history of comorbidities, and a range of sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest a lower risk of adverse respiratory events associated with patients with T2D initiating SGLT2is versus DPP4is. This real-world evidence helps inform patients, clinicians, and guideline writers regarding the respiratory effects of SGLT2i in routine practice.

The Cardiovascular Benefits and Infections Risk of SGLT2i versus Metformin in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and metformin are both widely accepted anti-hyperglycemic agents. However, there is still no systematic review evaluating the cardiovascular benefits and risk of infections of SGLT2i versus metformin. To make that clear, we designed this study. Public databases, including the Cochrane library database, PubMed, and Embase were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) fitting the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers extracted the data and appraised the study quality independently. Thirteen RCTs enrolling 4189 patients were eligible for this analysis. Our results showed that compared with metformin, SGLT2i increased the risk of genitourinary tract infections (p < 0.00001). Further subgroup analysis suggested that the occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTI) was not statistically significant (p = 0.18), but the incidence of reproductive tract infections (RTI) was significantly increased in patients in the SGLT2i group compared with that in the metformin group (p < 0.00001). In addition, SGLT2i markedly decreased the levels of cardiovascular risk factor, including body weight, blood pressure, and triglyceride level, and significantly increased the HDL-cholesterol level (p < 0.00001) in patients versus that of metformin. For type 2 diabetes patients with obesity, SGLT2i was associated with more significant reductions in weight and blood pressure compared to metformin without an increased risk of genitourinary infections, and the reduction in fasting plasma glucose was superior in the SGLT2i group; the decrease in HbA1c was similar in both groups. Additionally, no significant publication bias was seen. Based on these findings, SGLT2i provided the similar antihyperglycemic effects, additional cardiovascular benefits, and a potential RTI risk compared with that of metformin. Our results indicate that SGLT2i is a good choice for those patients with metformin intolerance or resistance.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor initiation and hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis

Introduction

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a relatively new class of antidiabetic drugs. Emerging findings from laboratory studies indicate that SGLT2 inhibitors can improve liver function and suppress the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors improves HCC prognosis in a human population.

Methods

We used National Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)—Medicare linked data in the United States to evaluate the role of SGLT2 inhibitor initiation on the survival of HCC patients. 3,185 HCC patients newly diagnosed between 2014 and 2017 aged 66 years or older with pre-existing type 2 diabetes were included and followed to the end of 2019. Information on SGLT2 inhibitor initiation was extracted from the Medicare Part D file.

Results

SGLT2 inhibitor initiation was associated with significantly lower mortality risk after adjusting for potential confounders (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54–0.86) with stronger association for longer duration of use (HR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.41–0.88). Further, we found that SGLT2 inhibitor initiation was associated with a lower risk mortality risk ranging from 14% to 60% regardless of patient demographic variables, tumor characteristics, and cancer treatments.

Conclusion

Our large SEER-Medicare linked data study indicates that SGLT2 inhibitor initiation was associated with improved overall survival of HCC patients with pre-existing type 2 diabetes compared with no SGLT2 inhibitor use. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and elucidate the possible mechanisms behind the association.

Anti-inflammatory role of SGLT2 inhibitors as part of their anti-atherosclerotic activity: Data from basic science and clinical trials

Atherosclerosis is a progressive inflammatory disease leading to mortality and morbidity in the civilized world. Atherosclerosis manifests as an accumulation of plaques in the intimal layer of the arterial wall that, by its subsequent erosion or rupture, triggers cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes mellitus is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis. Indeed, Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients have an increased risk of atherosclerosis and its associated-cardiovascular complications than non-diabetic patients. Sodium-glucose co-transport 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), a novel anti-diabetic drugs, have a surprising advantage in cardiovascular effects, such as reducing cardiovascular death in a patient with or without diabetes. Numerous studies have shown that atherosclerosis is due to a significant inflammatory burden and that SGLT2i may play a role in inflammation. In fact, several experiment results have demonstrated that SGLT2i, with suppression of inflammatory mechanism, slows the progression of atherosclerosis. Therefore, SGLT2i may have a double benefit in terms of glycemic control and control of the atherosclerotic process at a myocardial and vascular level. This review elaborates on the anti-inflammatory effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors on atherosclerosis.

Akutes Nierenversagen

Das akute Nierenversagen oder die akute Nierenschädigung ist eine ernsthafte Erkrankung. Es gibt nur vage Zahlenangaben zum Auftreten. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird versucht, die diabetologisch relevanten Aspekte dieser Erkrankung darzustellen. Die möglichen Ursachen werden aufgezeigt. Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus haben überwiegend ein höheres Risiko für ein akutes Nierenversagen als nicht von dieser Stoffwechselerkrankung Betroffene. Dies wird für diagnostische sowie klinisch relevante Risikokonstellationen dargestellt. Sowohl diagnostisch als auch therapeutisch ist die interdisziplinäre Kooperation insbesondere mit dem Fachgebiet Nephrologie erforderlich. Therapeutisch relevante Aspekte werden angerissen, auch medikamentöse Maßnahmen.

Use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, changes in body mass index and risk of fracture: A population-based cohort study

AIMS

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor-induced weight loss might play a role in the debated elevated fracture risk with these agents. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between SGLT-2 inhibitor use, changes in body mass index (BMI) and fracture risk.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD (2013-2018). The study population (N = 34,960) consisted of adults with diabetes initiating a sulphonylurea or SGLT-2 inhibitor. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for major osteoporotic fracture with SGLT-2 inhibitor use versus sulphonylurea use, stratified by change in BMI, average daily dose and cumulative dose. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, lifestyle variables, comorbidities, and concomitant drug use.

RESULTS

SGLT-2 inhibitor use was not associated with an increased fracture risk compared to sulphonylurea use (adjusted HR 1.19; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80-1.79). This finding remained consistent after stratification by BMI change. However, the highest cumulative dose category was associated with an increased fracture risk (adjusted HR: 2.10, 95 %CI: 1.11-3.99).

CONCLUSION

SGLT-2 inhibitor use was not associated with increased osteoporotic fracture risk, irrespective of change in BMI. However, a high cumulative dose could be an important risk factor.

Prevention of Cardiorenal Complications with Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter Type 2 Inhibitors: A Narrative Review

Heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are the most frequent first cardiorenal conditions in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), which can be exacerbated by other comorbidities, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. To improve their clinical outcomes, patients with T2D need to achieve and maintain glycemic targets, as well as prevent cardiorenal disease onset and progression. Several clinical trials evaluating the sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, canagliflozin, and ertugliflozin have shown consistent risk reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events and/or hospitalization for HF, together with lower risk of kidney disease progression. The benefits associated with SGLT2i in T2D are distinct from other antihyperglycemic drugs since they have been proposed to exert pleiotropic metabolic and direct effects on the kidney and the heart. In this review, we summarize and discuss the evidence regarding the mechanisms of action, the efficacy and safety profiles, and the clinical guidelines on the use of the therapeutic class of SGLT2i, highlighting their role in cardiorenal prevention beyond glycemic control.

Real-world evaluation of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective multi-ethnic cohort study

Abstract

Purpose

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors are increasingly used as second-line therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the real-world effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in a multi-ethnic population in Singapore.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study examined patients diagnosed with and treated for diabetes from the Ministry of Health’s administrative database. Differences in outcomes between treatment groups were assessed using Poisson regression. Demographics, clinical characteristics, previous diagnoses and hospitalisations, and diabetes medication history were used for propensity score matching. Subgroup analyses by ethnicity were performed. Effect size was estimated using risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Patients initiating SGLT2 inhibitors were more likely to achieve glycaemic control target than DPP4 inhibitor-treated patients (RR 1.09; 95% CI 1.04, 1.14). This was observed only in patients of Chinese ethnicity. A higher risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in SGLT2 inhibitor initiators was not observed. SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with reduced risk of hypoglycaemia (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.59, 0.82) and urinary tract infection (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.43, 0.63) but was not statistically significant for hypoglycaemia in Malay patients. Compared to DPP4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with 12% and 34% reduction in any-cause hospitalisation and all-cause mortality, respectively, potentially resulting in more than $50 million savings over 10 years.

Conclusion

SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with improvements in glycaemic control, reduced risk of complications, and was well tolerated. Ethnicity also plays a role and should be considered in future studies.

Etiopathogenesis of kidney disease in minority populations and an updated special focus on treatment in diabetes and hypertension

Diabetes and hypertension are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population as well as in the Black and African American population, who also suffer from high rates of CKD and CKD progression compared to the White population. Progression of CKD can lead to kidney failure, and patients with progressive kidney disease have a high risk of premature mortality, particularly from cardiovascular disease. Screening for early detection of CKD is important as it facilitates the initiation of medications that have been shown to delay the progression of diabetes-related as well as non-diabetes-related CKD, and reduce rates of death from both kidney and cardiovascular disease. The potential adverse effects from use of some of the newer reno- and cardio-protective glucose-lowering medications, such as the sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, may be effectively avoided with detailed patient education and monitoring by the healthcare provider. It is important to note that lifestyle modification including regular exercise, diet, and smoking cessation are first-line in the management of diabetes and hypertension. When CKD occurs, co-management by providers using a comprehensive strategy may avert early complications and facilitate appropriate early referral for nephrology specialty care.

Effects of dapagliflozin in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Dapagliflozin as a treatment option in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has received increasing attention, however, the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin for NAFLD has not been well assessed. This meta-analysis aimed to summarize these RCTs and evaluate the efficacy of dapagliflozin for patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for RCTs comparing dapagliflozin with placebo or active comparator in patients with NAFLD from inception to Oct 2021.

RESULTS

We included seven trials with 390 randomized participants in total. Compared to the placebo or control group, dapagliflozin could reduce the levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT) (WMD: -6.62U/L; 95%CI: -12.66,-0.58; p = 0.03) and aspartate aminotransaminase(AST) (WMD: -4.20U/L; 95%CI: -7.92,-0.47; p = 0.03). However, dapagliflozin produced a non-significant decrease in gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels (WMD: -7.28U/L; 95%CI: -16.26,1.71; p = 0.11). Additionally, we showed that dapagliflozin significantly affect Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD: -0.88; 95%CI: -1.43,-0.33; p = 0.002). Metabolic outcomes, such as bodyweight (WMD: -3.79 Kg; 95%CI: -4.63,-2.95; p < 0.00001), body mass index (BMI) (WMD: -1.33 Kg/m²; 95%CI: -2.37,-0.28; p = 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: -2.66 mg/dL; 95%CI: -3.99,-1.32; p < 0.00001) and triglycerides (TG) (WMD: -16.77 mg/dL; 95%CI: -31.93,-1.61; p = 0.03) were also reduced. Meanwhile, we found that dapagliflozin increased total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: 9.77 mg/dL; 95%CI: 1.58,17.97; p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the incidence of total adverse events between the dapagliflozin group and the control group (RR = 0.96; 95%CI: 0.60,1.54; p = 0.86).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that dapagliflozin effectively improves liver function parameters and metabolic outcomes among patients with NAFLD. At the same time, treatment with dapagliflozin may increase total cholesterol.

Gender differences in new hypoglycemic drug effects on renal outcomes: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Lifetime diabetes risk is greater in women than in men. Women with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a greater prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) risk factors. The diagnosis of DM is often delayed in women, with poorer outcomes and with expected therapeutic goals missed.

AREA COVERED

A systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted in the PubMed gateway of the MEDLINE database and Clinicaltrials.gov. The purpose of our research was to establish the sex differences on renal outcomes in users of the new hypoglycemic drugs: sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), dipeptidyl peptidase-IV Inhibitors (DPP-IVi) and glucagon-like peptide-1 inhibitors (GLP-1i).

EXPERT OPINION

New hypoglycemic drugs represent promising tools in the treatment and prevention of severe complications of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease. Even if renal outcomes are investigated in both randomized controlled trials and cardiovascular outcome trials, gender-based analysis is not always performed. This may lead to relevant information for risk-benefit evaluation and therapeutic choices being missed, with gender-based equality in outcomes lacking. Our systematic review demonstrated that the gap among sexes in DKD can be partially filled using new hypoglycemic drugs. Sexual dimorphism analysis could represent a keystone for the development of adequate gender-specific therapies.

When Less Is More: Identifying Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Engaging in Unnecessary Blood Glucose Monitoring

This study examined whether certain patient characteristics are associated with the prescribing of self-monitoring of blood glucose for patients with type 2 diabetes who are not using insulin and have well-controlled blood glucose. Against recommendations, one-third of the patient sample from a large health network in North Carolina (N = 9,338) received a prescription for testing supplies (i.e., strips or lancets) within the prior 18 months. Women, African Americans, individuals prescribed an oral medication, nonsmokers, and those who were underweight or normal weight all had greater odds of receiving such a prescription. These results indicate that providers may have prescribing tendencies that are potentially biased against more vulnerable patient groups and contrary to guidelines.

Anti-diabetics and antimicrobials: Harmony of mutual interplay

Diabetes is one of the four major non-communicable diseases, and appointed by the world health organization as the seventh leading cause of death worldwide. The scientists have turned over every rock in the corners of medical sciences in order to come up with better understanding and hence more effective treatments of diabetes. The continuous research on the subject has elucidated the role of immune disorders and inflammation as definitive factors in the trajectory of diabetes, assuring that blood glucose adjustments would result in a relief in the systemic stress leading to minimizing inflammation. On a parallel basis, microbial infections usually take advantage of immunity disorders and propagate creating a pro-inflammatory environment, all of which can be reversed by antimicrobial treatment. Standing at the crossroads between diabetes, immunity and infection, we aim in this review at projecting the interplay between immunity and diabetes, shedding the light on the overlapping playgrounds for the activity of some antimicrobial and anti-diabetic agents. Furthermore, we focused on the anti-diabetic drugs that can confer antimicrobial or anti-virulence activities.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors for people with cardiovascular disease: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally. Recently, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were approved for treating people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although metformin remains the first-line pharmacotherapy for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a body of evidence has recently emerged indicating that DPP4i, GLP-1RA and SGLT2i may exert positive effects on patients with known CVD.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the available evidence on the benefits and harms of DPP4i, GLP-1RA, and SGLT2i in people with established CVD, using network meta-analysis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Conference Proceedings Citation Index on 16 July 2020. We also searched clinical trials registers on 22 August 2020. We did not restrict by language or publication status.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating DPP4i, GLP-1RA, or SGLT2i that included participants with established CVD. Outcome measures of interest were CVD mortality, fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, fatal and non-fatal stroke, all-cause mortality, hospitalisation for heart failure (HF), and safety outcomes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors independently screened the results of searches to identify eligible studies and extracted study data. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of the evidence. We conducted standard pairwise meta-analyses and network meta-analyses by pooling studies that we assessed to be of substantial homogeneity; subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also pursued to explore how study characteristics and potential effect modifiers could affect the robustness of our review findings. We analysed study data using the odds ratios (ORs) and log odds ratios (LORs) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and credible intervals (Crls), where appropriate. We also performed narrative synthesis for included studies that were of substantial heterogeneity and that did not report quantitative data in a usable format, in order to discuss their individual findings and relevance to our review scope.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 31 studies (287 records), of which we pooled data from 20 studies (129,465 participants) for our meta-analysis. The majority of the included studies were at low risk of bias, using Cochrane's tool for assessing risk of bias. Among the 20 pooled studies, six investigated DPP4i, seven studied GLP-1RA, and the remaining seven trials evaluated SGLT2i. All outcome data described below were reported at the longest follow-up duration. 1. DPP4i versus placebo Our review suggests that DPP4i do not reduce any risk of efficacy outcomes: CVD mortality (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.09; high-certainty evidence), myocardial infarction (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.08; high-certainty evidence), stroke (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.14; high-certainty evidence), and all-cause mortality (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.11; high-certainty evidence). DPP4i probably do not reduce hospitalisation for HF (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.23; moderate-certainty evidence). DPP4i may not increase the likelihood of worsening renal function (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.33; low-certainty evidence) and probably do not increase the risk of bone fracture (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.19; moderate-certainty evidence) or hypoglycaemia (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.29; moderate-certainty evidence). They are likely to increase the risk of pancreatitis (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.37; moderate-certainty evidence). 2. GLP-1RA versus placebo Our findings indicate that GLP-1RA reduce the risk of CV mortality (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.95; high-certainty evidence), all-cause mortality (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.95; high-certainty evidence), and stroke (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.98; high-certainty evidence). GLP-1RA probably do not reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.01; moderate-certainty evidence), and hospitalisation for HF (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.06; high-certainty evidence). GLP-1RA may reduce the risk of worsening renal function (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.84; low-certainty evidence), but may have no impact on pancreatitis (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.35; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain about the effect of GLP-1RA on hypoglycaemia and bone fractures. 3. SGLT2i versus placebo This review shows that SGLT2i probably reduce the risk of CV mortality (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.95; moderate-certainty evidence), all-cause mortality (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.96; moderate-certainty evidence), and reduce the risk of HF hospitalisation (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.71; high-certainty evidence); they do not reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.12; high-certainty evidence) and probably do not reduce the risk of stroke (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.36; moderate-certainty evidence). In terms of treatment safety, SGLT2i probably reduce the incidence of worsening renal function (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.82; moderate-certainty evidence), and probably have no effect on hypoglycaemia (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.07; moderate-certainty evidence) or bone fracture (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.18; high-certainty evidence), and may have no impact on pancreatitis (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.86; low-certainty evidence). 4. Network meta-analysis Because we failed to identify direct comparisons between each class of the agents, findings from our network meta-analysis provided limited novel insights. Almost all findings from our network meta-analysis agree with those from the standard meta-analysis. GLP-1RA may not reduce the risk of stroke compared with placebo (OR 0.87, 95% CrI 0.75 to 1.0; moderate-certainty evidence), which showed similar odds estimates and wider 95% Crl compared with standard pairwise meta-analysis. Indirect estimates also supported comparison across all three classes. SGLT2i was ranked the best for CVD and all-cause mortality.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Findings from both standard and network meta-analyses of moderate- to high-certainty evidence suggest that GLP-1RA and SGLT2i are likely to reduce the risk of CVD mortality and all-cause mortality in people with established CVD; high-certainty evidence demonstrates that treatment with SGLT2i reduce the risk of hospitalisation for HF, while moderate-certainty evidence likely supports the use of GLP-1RA to reduce fatal and non-fatal stroke. Future studies conducted in the non-diabetic CVD population will reveal the mechanisms behind how these agents improve clinical outcomes irrespective of their glucose-lowering effects.

Cardio-renal outcomes and the direct medical cost of type 2 diabetes patients treated with sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: A population-based cohort study

AIMS

To compare cardio-renal outcomes and incurred direct medical costs of patients initiating sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) versus glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA).

METHODS

A population-based cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes was identified from Hong Kong Hospital Authority. Patients who were free from cardiovascular and end-stage renal diseases at baseline, and newly treated with SGLT2i (n = 2,541) or GLP-1RA (n = 303), were included. Risks of developing cardio-renal complications, incurred direct medical costs, and changes in clinical parameters were assessed between groups.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 12.5 months in SGLT2i group and 25.5 months in GLP-1RA group, SGLT2i users were associated with significantly lower risk of heart failure compared with those on GLP-1RA [hazard ratio = 0.183, 95 %CI = (0.045, 0.745)]. 1-year change in clinical parameters also favored use of SGLT2i over GLP-1RA, where the former was associated with a larger reduction in fasting glucose level [difference-in-difference = -0.87 mmol/L, 95 %CI = (-1.42, -0.33), p = 0.002]. The two groups had comparable direct medical costs after 1-year of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Patients initiating SGLT2i experienced a significantly lower risk of heart failure than those on GLP-1RA, alongside better glycemic control through a larger reduction in fasting glucose level over one-year follow-up, while direct medical cost incurred was comparable to that of GLP-1RA.

Person-Centered Medication Therapy for Diabetes in Older Adults: A Practical Review

Diabetes is one of the most common disease states in older adults and there are significant risks to the use of antidiabetic medications. The older adult population varies greatly in functional ability, independence, and cognition. These factors, along with increased risk of hypoglycemia, falls, and other comorbidities, add to the complexity of creating medication regimens to treat diabetes in older adults. In the current review, a person-centered approach to diabetes care in older adults is described to aid clinician decision making. By keeping the patient and their individual factors in the center of the decision, risks of over- or under-treating diabetes can be minimized. The review will discuss person-centered goal setting, practical approaches to diabetes medication management, and specific considerations for choosing medication classes based on patient characteristics. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47(10), 7-13.].

Heart failure outcomes and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: A systematic review of observational studies

AIM/OBJECTIVE

Recently, the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) class showed a significant reduction in heart failure (HF) hospitalization in several meta-analyses of cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs). The objective of this systematic review is to summarize the real-world evidence regarding HF outcomes of GLP-1RAs.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for observational studies that investigated HF outcomes of GLP-1RAs.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 10 observational studies. Of those, 7 were cohort studies, and 3 were nested case-control studies. The risk of HF was the outcome in four cohort studies. One study that compared exenatide and exenatide combined with insulin to insulin showed a reduction in HF risk in the exenatide and exenatide plus insulin groups (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.22-0.52, p-value <0.001 and HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.32-0.50, p-value <0.001, respectively). The other three cohort studies did not show a statistically significant result. In the three cohort studies that investigated HF hospitalization as an outcome, two showed a lower rate of HF hospitalization [48 (16.7%) vs. 76 (28%), p-value <0.05 and HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34-0.77, p = 0.002] in the GLP-1RA groups. Conversely, the remaining study showed a reduction of 14% in HF hospitalization in the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) group compared to the GLP-1RA group (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.83-0.90). In contrast to the cohort studies, the three nested case-control studies showed similar results of no association of GLP-1RA use and HF hospitalization with OR 0.67 (95% CI 0.32-1.42), HR 0.95 (95% CI 0.83-1.10), and OR 0.84 (95% CI 0.48-1.47), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The real-world evidence regarding the reduction in HF risk and hospitalization in GLP-1RA users is conflicting. Further well-designed, large multicenter, observational studies are needed to show clearer evidence.

SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce the risk of cerebrovascular/cardiovascular outcomes and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of retrospective cohort studies

Despite Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been associated with a reduced risk of heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the effect observed for other cardiovascular (CV) and cerebrovascular outcomes differed among clinical trials. Different observational studies have investigated the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on these outcomes and mortality. The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on the risk of CV (major adverse CV event - MACE, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for heart failure) and cerebrovascular (stroke) outcomes. A systematic review was conducted in Pubmed from January 1, 2012 to November 31, 2020. Only retrospective cohort studies including as control group users of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors or non-SGLT2 inhibitors were retained and analysed separately. A random effect meta-analysis approach was used. This study followed the PRISMA statement. Of the 158 references identified, 20 articles were selected for meta-analysis, of which 13 considered the comparison with DPP-4 inhibitors and 7 the comparison with non-SGLT2 inhibitors. The pooled intention-to-treat analysis showed a reduced risk of stroke with SGLT2 inhibitors compared to DPP-4 inhibitors (Hazard ratio HR, 0.89; 95%CI, 0.82-0.96; I² = 25%; p = 0.25) and non-SGLT2 inhibitors (HR, 0.83; 95%CI, 0.77-0.91; I2 = 11%; p = 0.34). Finally, SGLT2 inhibitors were also associated with a reduced risk of CV outcomes and mortality in all comparisons. Our data support contemporary society recommendations to prioritise the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2DM and at high risk for CV complications.

A Role for SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Treating Non-diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease

In recent years, inhibitors of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2 inhibitors) have been shown to have significant protective effects on the kidney and the cardiovascular system in patients with diabetes. This effect is also manifested in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and is minimally due to improved glycaemic control. Starting from these positive findings, SGLT2 inhibitors have also been tested in patients with non-diabetic CKD or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Recently, the DAPA-CKD trial showed a significantly lower risk of CKD progression or death from renal or cardiovascular causes in a mixed population of patients with diabetic and non-diabetic CKD receiving dapagliflozin in comparison with placebo. In patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, two trials (EMPEROR-Reduced and DAPA-HF) also found a significantly lower risk of reaching the secondary renal endpoint in those treated with an SGLT2 inhibitor in comparison with placebo. This also applied to patients with CKD. Apart from their direct mechanism of action, SGLT2 inhibitors have additional effects that could be of particular interest for patients with non-diabetic CKD. Among these, SGLT2 inhibitors reduce blood pressure and serum acid uric levels and can increase hemoglobin levels. Some safety issues should be further explored in the CKD population. SGLT2 inhibitors can minimally increase potassium levels, but this has not been shown by the CREDENCE trial. They also increase magnesium and phosphate reabsorption. These effects could become more significant in patients with advanced CKD and will need monitoring when these agents are used more extensively in the CKD population. Conversely, they do not seem to increase the risk of acute kidney injury.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease diagnoses and cardiovascular diseases: From epidemiology to drug approaches

BACKGROUND

A consensus of experts has proposed to replace the term nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), whose global prevalence is 25%, with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), to describe more appropriately the liver disease related to metabolic derangements. MAFLD is closely intertwined with type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidaemia, all linked to a rise in the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Since controversy still stands on whether or not NAFLD/MAFLD raises the odds of CVD, the present review aims to evaluate the impact of NAFLD/MAFLD aetiologies on CV health and the potential correction by dietary and drug approaches.

RESULTS

Epidemiological studies indicate that NAFLD raises risk of fatal or non-fatal CVD events. NAFLD patients have a higher prevalence of arterial plaques and stiffness, coronary calcification, and endothelial dysfunction. Although genetic and environmental factors strongly contribute to NAFLD pathogenesis, a Mendelian randomization analysis indicated that the PNPLA3 genetic variant leading to NAFLD may not be causally associated with CVD risk. Among other genetic variants related to NAFLD, TM6SF2 appears to be protective, whereas MBOAT7 may favour venous thromboembolism.

CONCLUSIONS

NAFLD is correlated to a higher CVD risk which may be ameliorated by dietary interventions. This is not surprising, since new criteria defining MAFLD include other metabolic risk abnormalities fuelling development of serious adverse extrahepatic outcomes, for example CVD. The present lack of a targeted pharmacological approach makes the identification of patients with liver disease at higher CVD risk (eg diabetes, hypertension, obesity or high levels of C-reactive protein) of major clinical interest.

Cardiovascular Safety and Benefits of Noninsulin Antihyperglycemic Drugs for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Part 2

Ideal drugs to improve outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are those with antiglycemic efficacy, as well as cardiovascular safety that has to be determined in appropriately designed cardiovascular outcome trials as mandated by regulatory agencies. The more recent antihyperglycemic medications have shown promise with regards to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction in T2DM patients at a high cardiovascular risk. Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are associated with better cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in T2DM patients than are dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitors, leading to the Food and Drug Administration's approval of empagliflozin to reduce mortality, and of liraglutide to reduce CVD risk in high-risk T2DM patients. For heart failure outcomes, sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are beneficial, while glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are neutral. Ongoing and planned randomized controlled trials of these newer drugs should clarify the possibility of class effects and of CVD risk reduction benefits in low-moderate cardiovascular risk patients. While we eagerly await the results on ongoing studies, these medications should be appropriately prescribed in T2DM patients with baseline CVD or those at a high CVD risk after carefully evaluating the elevated risk for adverse events like gastrointestinal disturbances, bladder cancer, genital infections, and amputations. Studies to understand the pleotropic and novel pathophysiological mechanisms demonstrated by the sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors will shed light on the effects of the modulation of microvascular, inflammatory, and thrombotic milieu for improving the CVD risk in T2DM patients. This is part 2 of the series on noninsulin antihyperglycemic drugs for the treatment of T2DM.

Clinical Adverse Events Associated with Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors: A Meta-Analysis Involving 10 Randomized Clinical Trials and 71 553 Individuals

CONTEXT

SGLT2is are first-line antidiabetic agents with demonstrated cardiovascular benefits. Prior meta-analyses have examined adverse events (AEs) associated with these drugs in general, but such knowledge needs to be updated with the results of more recent trials. In addition, the occurrence of various AEs with different underlying diseases is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the occurrence of various AEs associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and to examine the level of risk of AEs in patients with different underlying diseases.

METHODS

We conducted a quantitative meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) retrieved from the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and the Cochrane library on January 31, 2021. Outcomes of interest included 4 overall safety outcomes (AEs) and 12 specified safety outcomes. Further analyses were performed on various subgroups, which were defined based on the status of diabetes mellitus (DM), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), chronic kidney disease, and congestive heart failure, and by the dosage of SGLT2i (high dose vs low dose).

RESULTS

Our analysis included 10 eligible studies with a total of 71 553 participants. The meta-analysis showed that SGLT2i led to increased risks of genital infection (risk ratio [RR] 3.56, 95% CI 2.84-4.46), urinary tract infection (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00-1.12), diabetic ketoacidosis (RR 2.23, 95% CI 1.36-3.63), and volume depletion (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.23). However, the use of SGLT2i was associated with reduced risks of any serious AE (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.90-0.94), acute kidney injury (AKI) (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77-0.91), and hyperkalemia (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.99). Within the different subgroups, the risk of amputation was higher in patients with ASCVD than in those without (RR 1.44 vs 0.96, P = .066).

CONCLUSION

The use of SGLT2is is generally safe. SGLT2is may be associated with increased risks of genital infection but are protective against AKI. Of note, the risk of amputation was higher in patients with ASCVD. The key to the safe use of SGLT2is lies in the identification of high-risk populations and close surveillance of patients after treatment.

Chinese Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in China. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a focus on lifestyle intervention and risk factor control has been shown to effectively delay or prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular events. To promote a healthy lifestyle and enhance the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, and to improve the overall capacity of primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, the Chinese Society of Cardiology of Chinese Medical Association has collaborated with multiple societies to summarize and evaluate the latest evidence with reference to relevant guidelines and subsequently to develop recommendations for primary cardiovascular disease prevention in Chinese adults. The guideline consists of 10 sections: introduction, methodology for developing the guideline, epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in China and challenges in primary prevention, general recommendations for primary prevention, assessment of cardiovascular risk, lifestyle intervention, blood pressure control, lipid management, management of type 2 diabetes, and use of aspirin. The promulgation and implementation of this guideline will play a key role in promoting the practice of primary prevention for cardiovascular disease in China.

Effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors on cardiovascular, renal, and safety outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Controlled studies and observational studies have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are beneficial for the survival of patients with heart failure (HF). However, it is unclear whether SGLT-2i can provide benefit in patients with other cardiovascular diseases. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the outcomes of cardiovascular, renal, and safety outcomes of SGLT-2i administration in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for randomised controlled trials written in English from inception until November 1, 2020. Two reviewers independently identified randomised controlled trials comparing the effects of SGLT-2i in patients with cardiovascular disease with or without diabetes. Primary outcomes were cardiovascular outcomes and renal outcomes. Secondary outcomes were safety outcomes, including adverse endocrine outcomes and adverse infection outcomes. The effects of SGLT-2i were evaluated using RevMan5.3 software. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess study quality.

Results

We identified 10 randomised controlled trials (25,108 patients in the SGLT-2i group and 18,574 patients in the placebo group). Meta-analysis revealed that SGLT-2i treatment significantly reduced all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and hospitalisation for heart failure (HHF) in patients with cardiovascular disease (all-cause mortality relative risk [RR]: 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–0.91; P < 0.00001; I² = 0%; cardiovascular mortality RR: 0.85; 95% CI 0.79–0.92; P < 0.0001; I² = 26%; HHF RR: 0.69; 95% CI 0.64–0.81; P < 0.00001; I² = 0%). In patients with HF, mortality and HHF after SGLT-2i treatment for HF with reduced ejection fraction were significantly reduced, whereas HF with preserved ejection fraction did not differ compared with placebo treatment. Moreover, SGLT-2i induced a lower incidence of renal damage and myocardial infarction than the placebo group; however, the risk of infection, amputation, volume depletion, and diabetic ketoacidosis was higher.

Conclusions

SGLT-2i had significant clinical effects on cardiovascular outcomes and significantly influenced acute kidney injury. The effects of SGLT-2i on cardiovascular disease were independent of diabetic status. Sotagliflozin could have advantages over other SGLT-2i in lowering HHF.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-021-01272-z.

Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes-Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) use is associated with improved cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. However, the magnitude and potential heterogeneity of effect across patients with varying types of cardiometabolic and kidney disease is unclear. To examine the effect of SGLT2i on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and independent of T2DM status, among patients with heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease.

METHOD

Medline, Embase, Cochrane library and scientific conferences were searched from inception till September 24, 2020 for randomized controlled trials comparing cardiovascular and kidney outcomes between SGLT2i and placebo. Random effects hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Eight trials with a combined 59,747 patients were included. In the overall population, SGLT2i reduced the risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.84; 95% CI [0.78-0.91]), cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.84; 95% CI [0.76-0.93]) hospitalization for HF (HR 0.69; 95% CI [0.64-0.74]), myocardial infarction (HR 0.91; 95% CI [0.84-0.99]), and composite kidney outcome (HR 0.62; 95% CI [0.56-0.70]). There was no significant effect on the risk of stroke (HR 0.98; 95% CI [0.86-1.11]). Results were consistent across subgroups stratified by diabetes and HF status. SGLT2i use was not associated with a greater risk of hypoglycemia (OR 0.92; 95% CI [0.84-1.01]) or amputation (OR 1.25; 95% CI [0.97-1.62]). There were 64 diabetic ketoacidosis events with SGLT2i use and 18 with placebo (OR 2.86; 95% CI [1.39-5.86]).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with cardiometabolic and kidney disease, SGLT2i improved cardiovascular and kidney outcomes, regardless of T2DM, HF, and/or CKD status. The magnitude of risk reduction was largest for hospitalization for HF and progression of kidney disease, more modest for mortality and MI and absent for stroke.

SGLT2 Inhibitors: Emerging Roles in the Protection Against Cardiovascular and Kidney Disease Among Diabetic Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent disease with the severe clinical implications including myocardial infarction, stroke, and kidney disease. Therapies focusing on glycemic control in T2DM such as biguanides, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and insulin-based regimens have largely failed to substantially improve cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. We review the recent findings on sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors which have shown to have beneficial cardiovascular and kidney-related effects.

RECENT FINDINGS

SGLT2 inhibitors are a new class of diabetic medications that reduce the absorption of glucose in the kidney, decrease proteinuria, control blood pressure, and are associated with weight loss. SGLT2 inhibitors provide complementary therapy independent of insulin secretion or action with proved glucose-lowering effects. Recent placebo-controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that these medications can decrease cardiovascular death, progression of kidney disease, and all-cause mortality in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Interestingly, SGT2 inhibitors such as dapagliflozin have also proven to decrease heart failure admissions and cardiovascular endpoints in non-diabetic patients, suggesting pleiotropic effects. The exact mechanisms responsible for reductions in atherosclerotic heart disease, need for kidney replacement therapy, and progressive kidney disease remain unknown. While regulation of glomerular hyperfiltration, albuminuria, and natriuresis may be part of the explanation, it is possible that complex cellular effects including energy balance optimization, downregulation of oxidative stress, and modulation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways are associated with favorable outcomes observed in large clinical studies.

CONCLUSION

SGLT2 inhibitors are novel antidiabetic medications with immense utility in the management of patients with T2DM. Furthermore, SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated to reduce the progression to advanced forms of kidney disease and its associated complications. These medications should be front and center in the management of patients with diabetic kidney disease with and without chronic kidney disease as they confer protection against cardiovascular/renal death and improve all-cause mortality. Future studies should evaluate the benefits and implications of early initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors, as well as the long-term effects of this therapy.

[Heart failure protection by SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: evidence and possible mechanisms : A systematic review]

Hintergrund

Hemmstoffe des renalen Natrium-Glukose-Kotransporters 2 („sodium glucose-linked transporter 2“; SGLT2i) scheinen außer der antidiabetischen auch eine kardioprotektive Wirkung zu besitzen; deren Mechanismus ist jedoch unklar.

Methoden

Selektive Literaturrecherche in PubMed (Fokus Herzinsuffizienz und Wirkmechanismen).

Ergebnisse

Unter Therapie mit 3 der untersuchten Substanzen kam es im Vergleich mit Placebo zu weniger herzinsuffizienzbedingten Krankenhausaufenthalten, allerdings mit einer relativ hohen Anzahl von Behandlungen pro verhindertes Ereignis (72–117). Außer einer stärkeren Gewichtsabnahme und Blutdrucksenkung unter dem Verum gegenüber Placebo fiel eine Zunahme des kardioprotektiven Effekts bei stärker eingeschränkter Nierenfunktion auf.

Schlussfolgerung

Ein moderater herzinsuffizienzpräventiver Effekt von Hemmstoffen des renalen SGLT2 kann bei Diabetikern als gesichert gelten. Ein wesentlicher Wirkmechanismus beruht wahrscheinlich auf einem nephroprotektiven Effekt mit Modulation der kardiorenalen Interaktion, was jedoch weiterer Abklärung bedarf.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is becoming increasingly complex. Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are the newest antidiabetic agents for T2DM. By targeting the kidney, they have a unique mechanism of action, which results in enhanced glucosuria, osmotic diuresis and natriuresis, thereby improving glucose control with a limited risk of hypoglycaemia and exerting additional positive effects such as weight loss and the lowering of blood pressure. Several outcome studies with canagliflozin, dapagliflozin or empagliflozin reported a statistically significant reduction in major cardiovascular events, hospitalization for heart failure and progression to advanced renal disease in patients with T2DM who have established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, several cardiovascular risk factors, albuminuric mild to moderate chronic kidney disease or heart failure. Current guidelines proposed a new paradigm in the management of T2DM, with a preferential place for SGLT2is, after metformin, in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure and progressive kidney disease. Ongoing trials might extend the therapeutic potential of SGLT2is in patients with, but also without, T2DM. This Review provides an update of the current knowledge on SGLT2is, moving from their use as glucose-lowering medications to their new positioning as cardiovascular and renal protective agents.

An exploration of the heterogeneity in effects of SGLT2 inhibition on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME, CANVAS Program, DECLARE-TIMI 58, and CREDENCE trials

BACKGROUND

Large-scale outcome trials of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes have identified consistent effects on major adverse cardiovascular events, heart failure, and progression of kidney disease. However, the magnitude of effects on cardiovascular and all-cause death appeared to vary between some of the studies.

METHODS

We explored the impact of differences in trial methodologies, participant characteristics, types of deaths, follow-up duration, effects on intermediate markers of risk, and drug selectivity for SGLT2 on the magnitude of the protective effect against fatal events achieved in the 4 trials.

RESULTS

The trial populations differed substantively in the proportions with baseline atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease history (99.2% in EMPA-REG OUTCOME to 40.6% in DECLARE-TIMI 58), and macroalbuminuria (88.0% in CREDENCE to 7.6% in the CANVAS Program). Meta-regression analyses identified no clear effect of these (both P > 0.09) or other participant characteristics on mortality benefits (all P > 0.55). Other differences between the trials (duration, selectivity of the SGLT2 inhibitor, or effects on intermediate markers of risk) also did not explain the heterogeneity in effects on mortality observed (all P > 0.30).

CONCLUSION

No clear explanation for the statistical evidence of heterogeneity in effects of SGLT2 inhibition on fatal outcomes between the trials could be identified. While the analyses had limited statistical power, these results raise the possibility that the observed variations in treatment effects on fatal outcomes between trials may be at least partly due to chance.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and type 2 diabetes: clinical pearls for in-hospital initiation, in-hospital management, and postdischarge

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this article is to provide practical recommendations on safe initiation of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to in-patients as well as management of those who are already on SGLT2 inhibitors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Robust data from stable outpatient cohorts indicate that the SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with clinically meaningful reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events, lower rates of hospitalization for heart failure, and a reduction in major kidney outcomes There is however a lack of information on how to initiate and manage SGLT2 inhibitors in an acute in-patient setting.

SUMMARY

SGLT2 inhibitors may be cautiously appropriate for in-patients if all the criteria for safe use are met but good clinical judgment must prevail. Temporary withholding of SGLT2 inhibitors is appropriate in hospitalized patients during a period of stress and/or insulinopenia.

Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Empagliflozin Versus Oral Semaglutide, in Addition to Metformin, for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in the UK

INTRODUCTION

International guidelines recommend treatment with a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for treatment intensification in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with progression on metformin. In the randomised, controlled, Peptide Innovation for Early Diabetes Treatment (PIONEER) 2 trial, the SGLT-2 inhibitor empagliflozin was compared with the GLP-1 receptor agonist oral semaglutide, in addition to metformin. The aim of the current study was to assess the long-term cost-effectiveness of empagliflozin 25 mg versus oral semaglutide 14 mg, in addition to metformin, for T2DM patients in the UK.

METHODS

Analyses were conducted from the UK healthcare payer perspective, using the IQVIA Core Diabetes model, with a time horizon of 50 years. Patients received either empagliflozin or oral semaglutide, in addition to metformin, until Hba1c threshold of 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) was exceeded, following which treatment intensification with insulin glargine in addition to empagliflozin or oral semaglutide plus metformin was assumed. Baseline cohort characteristics and 52-week treatment effects were derived from the PIONEER 2 trial. Treatment effects of empagliflozin and GLP-1 receptor agonists on hospitalisation for heart failure (hHF) were based on the Empagliflozin Comparative Effectiveness and Safety (EMPRISE) real-world study. Utilities, treatment costs and costs of diabetes-related complications were obtained from published sources.

RESULTS

Direct costs for empagliflozin plus metformin were considerably lower than those for oral semaglutide plus metformin (by more than GBP 6000). Compared with oral semaglutide plus metformin, empagliflozin plus metformin was a cost-effective treatment for T2DM patients in all scenarios tested. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed cost-effectiveness in > 95% of the iterations using a threshold of 20,000 GBP/QALY.

CONCLUSION

Empagliflozin 25 mg is a cost-effective treatment option versus oral semaglutide 14 mg, when used in addition to metformin, for the treatment of T2DM patients in the UK.

Weight-centric pharmacological management of type 2 diabetes mellitus - An essential component of cardiovascular disease prevention

Obesity and overweight are contributing factors for diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and ultimately, cardiovascular (CV) disease. Obesity is imposing an increasing health burden in rich and poor nations, with almost 30% of people globally now either obese or overweight - a staggering 2.1 billion. The link between obesity and T2DM is widely held to involve two adverse effects: obesity-induced insulin resistance and β-cell failure. This "unified field theory" raises questions about whether defects favoring progressive weight gain and metabolic impairment also contribute to β-cell decompensation. The concept of weight-centric management of T2DM is considered justified because of the strong negative impact of obesity on the effects of treatment of diabetes. Two pharmacotherapy options are considered: drugs developed primarily for blood glucose control that also exert a favorable effect on body weight and drugs developed primarily to induce weight loss that also have a favorable effect on glycemia. Treating hunger counter-regulatory mechanisms will have an additional effect on glucose control in T2DM. This narrative review addresses advances in pharmacotherapy for the management of obesity and obesity-related co-morbidities, with a focus on T2DM. It is also important to identify the correct balance between weight-centric and glucose-centric management of T2DM.

2020 Consensus of Taiwan Society of Cardiology on the pharmacological management of patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

The global incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes have been escalating in recent decades. The total diabetic population is expected to increase from 415 million in 2015 to 642 million by 2040. Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). About two-thirds of patients with type 2 diabetes died of ASCVD. The association between hyperglycemia and elevated cardiovascular (CV) risk has been demonstrated in multiple cohort studies. However, clinical trials of intensive glucose reduction by conventional antidiabetic agents did not significantly reduce macrovascular outcomes.In December 2008, U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a mandate that every new antidiabetic agent requires rigorous assessments of its CV safety. Thereafter, more than 200,000 patients have been enrolled in a number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These trials were initially designed to prove noninferiority. It turned out that some of these trials demonstrated superiority of some new antidiabetic agents versus placebo in reducing CV endpoints, including macrovascular events, renal events, and heart failure. These results are important in clinical practice and also provide an opportunity for academic society to formulate treatment guidelines or consensus to provide specific recommendations for glucose control in various CV diseases.In 2018, the Taiwan Society of Cardiology (TSOC) and the Diabetes Association of Republic of China (DAROC) published the first joint consensus on the "Pharmacological Management of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases." In 2020, TSOC appointed a new consensus group to revise the previous version. The updated 2020 consensus was comprised of 5 major parts: (1) treatment of diabetes in patients with multiple risk factors, (2) treatment of diabetes in patients with coronary heart disease, (3) treatment of diabetes in patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease, (4) treatment of diabetes in patients with a history of stroke, and (5) treatment of diabetes in patients with heart failure. The members of the consensus group thoroughly reviewed all the evidence, mainly RCTs, and also included meta-analyses and real-world evidence. The treatment targets of HbA1c were finalized. The antidiabetic agents were ranked according to their clinical evidence. The consensus is not mandatory. The final decision may need to be individualized and based on clinicians' discretion.

Genetic ablation of SGLT2 function in mice impairs tissue mineral density but does not affect fracture resistance of bone

Selective sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2Is) are oral hypoglycemic medications utilized increasingly in the medical management of hyperglycemia among persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite favorable effects on cardiovascular events, specific SGLT2Is have been associated with an increased risk for atypical fracture and amputation in subgroups of the T2D population, a population that already has a higher risk for typical fragility fractures than the general population. To better understand the effect of SGLT2 blockade on skeletal integrity, independent of diabetes and its co-morbidities, we utilized the "Jimbee" mouse model of slc5a2 gene mutation to investigate the impact of lifelong SGLT2 loss-of-function on metabolic and skeletal phenotype. Jimbee mice maintained normal glucose homeostasis, but exhibited chronic polyuria, glucosuria and hypercalciuria. The Jimbee mutation negatively impacted appendicular growth of the femur and resulted in lower tissue mineral density of both cortical and trabecular bone of the femur mid-shaft and distal femur metaphysis, respectively. Several components of the Jimbee phenotype were characteristic only of male mice compared with female mice, including reductions: in body weight; in cortical area of the mid-shaft; and in trabecular thickness within the metaphysis. Despite these decrements, the strength of femur diaphysis in bending (cortical bone), which increased with age, and the strength of L6 vertebra in compression (primarily trabecular bone), which decreased with age, were not affected by the mutation. Moreover, the age-related decline in bone toughness was less for Jimbee mice, compared with control mice, such that by 49-50 weeks of age, Jimbee mice had significantly tougher femurs in bending than C57BL/6J mice. These results suggest that chronic blockade of SGLT2 in this model reduces the mineralization of bone but does not reduce its fracture resistance.