Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors) are a relatively new group of medications originally developed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
But recent studies suggest these drugs may offer additional benefits beyond blood sugar control, protecting against complications in the kidneys, heart, and even lungs.
Comparing SGLT2 Inhibitors and DPP4 Inhibitors
In a study by researchers at the University of Hong Kong, SGLT2 inhibitors were compared to an older class of diabetes drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4 inhibitors).
Both types of drugs are commonly prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes, but DPP4 inhibitors have been around longer and are well-studied.
The researchers wanted to see if SGLT2 inhibitors might offer extra health benefits for people with type 2 diabetes, particularly regarding kidney and lung health.
Kidney Health Benefits
Using data from more than 30,000 diabetes patients in Hong Kong, the researchers discovered a strong link between SGLT2 inhibitors and a reduced risk of kidney-related diseases.
Patients on SGLT2 inhibitors were less likely to develop serious kidney issues like end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a condition where the kidneys can no longer function well without dialysis or a transplant.
This suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors may have protective effects on kidney health that go beyond what DPP4 inhibitors offer.
Lung Health Benefits
Interestingly, the study also found that SGLT2 inhibitors could benefit lung health. Patients using SGLT2 inhibitors showed lower rates of respiratory conditions, including obstructive airway disease (OAD) and pneumonia.
This is an exciting finding because previous research on SGLT2 inhibitors has focused mostly on their effects on the heart and kidneys, not the lungs.
If further research confirms these lung-related benefits, SGLT2 inhibitors could offer a unique advantage for people with type 2 diabetes who are also at risk of respiratory issues.
Why SGLT2 Inhibitors May Be the Better Choice
The findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors might be a better option than DPP4 inhibitors for some people with type 2 diabetes, especially those at risk of kidney and lung problems.
The study underscores the importance of considering the full range of treatment options for diabetes and the potential added benefits that SGLT2 inhibitors offer.
Side Effects to Consider
Like any medication, SGLT2 inhibitors are not without side effects. Some common issues associated with these drugs include a higher risk of genital and urinary tract infections, as well as an increased chance of developing diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition in which the body produces too many blood acids.
Therefore, it’s essential for patients to discuss the benefits and risks of SGLT2 inhibitors with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision about their treatment plan.
Conclusion
This study from the University of Hong Kong offers valuable insights into the potential advantages of SGLT2 inhibitors over DPP4 inhibitors for managing type 2 diabetes.
By showing that SGLT2 inhibitors might help protect the kidneys, heart, and lungs, the research opens up new possibilities for people with diabetes who need additional health support.
However, more studies are needed to understand exactly how these drugs provide such broad protection, and to confirm the safety of long-term use.
For those interested in managing diabetes, there are also studies linking better sleep to reduced vision loss and exploring the potential of specific drugs to prevent kidney failure.
Recent findings on foods like blueberries and vitamins such as Vitamin D also highlight their benefits for people managing diabetes and related health risks.
The study was led by Dr. Cheung Ching-lung and published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and JAMA Network Open.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes, and how to manage high blood pressure and diabetes with healthy foods.
For more health information, please see recent studies about vitamin D and type2 diabetes, and to people with type 2 diabetes, some fruits are better than others.
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