Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a relatively new class of drugs that have been developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
In recent years, there has been growing evidence to suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors may provide additional health benefits beyond glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Comparison of SGLT2 Inhibitors and DPP4 Inhibitors
In a study from the University of Hong Kong, researchers wanted to compare the cardiorenal and respiratory protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) in patients with type 2 diabetes.
DPP4 inhibitors are an older class of drugs that have been widely prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Kidney Protection
The researchers used data from over 30,000 patients with type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong to examine the association of SGLT2 inhibitors with kidney and lung health.
They found that SGLT2 inhibitors were strongly linked to lower risks of several kidney diseases, including end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
This suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors may offer additional kidney protective effects in patients with type 2 diabetes, beyond those provided by DPP4 inhibitors.
Respiratory Protection
The team also found that SGLT2 inhibitors were strongly linked to reduced risks of several lung diseases, including obstructive airway disease (OAD) and pneumonia.
This is a novel finding, as previous studies have focused mainly on the cardiovascular and renal protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors.
Potential Benefits of SGLT2 Inhibitors
The study suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors may be a better alternative to DPP4 inhibitors for people with type 2 diabetes, as they provide additional cardiorenal and respiratory protection.
The findings highlight the importance of considering all possible treatment options for patients with type 2 diabetes and the potential benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors.
Side Effects
It is important to note that like all drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors have potential side effects, including an increased risk of genital and urinary tract infections and an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Patients with type 2 diabetes who are considering SGLT2 inhibitors should discuss the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare provider.
Conclusion
This study from the University of Hong Kong provides important real-world evidence that SGLT2 inhibitors may offer additional cardiorenal and respiratory protection in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to DPP4 inhibitors.
These findings highlight the potential benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors and the importance of considering all possible treatment options for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which SGLT2 inhibitors provide cardiorenal and respiratory protection in patients with type 2 diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about the sleep problem linked to vision loss in people with diabetes, and this drug may prevent kidney failure in people with diabetes.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing Vitamin D may reduce dangerous complications in type 2 diabetes.
The study was conducted by Dr. Cheung Ching-lung et al and published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and JAMA Network Open.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
