A new study suggests that using two types of diabetes medications together may offer extra protection against heart and kidney disease.
The research, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, was also presented at a major medical conference in Sweden earlier this year.
The study looked at the effects of combining sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in people with type 2 diabetes.
SGLT2 inhibitors, also known as gliflozins, help lower blood sugar by making the body get rid of it through urine. On the other hand, GLP-1 receptor agonists, like the well-known drug Ozempic, help the body release more insulin and use it better.
Both of these drug types have already been proven to help the heart and kidneys when used on their own. However, doctors have not been sure whether using them together would provide even more benefits.
To answer this question, scientists from the SMART-C (SGLT2 Inhibitor Meta-analysis Cardio-Renal Trialists’ Consortium) group analyzed data from 12 large studies involving more than 73,000 people with diabetes.
Over 3,000 of those patients were already taking GLP-1RAs when they started taking an SGLT2 inhibitor. This type of study is called a meta-analysis, where researchers combine results from different trials to find patterns and stronger evidence.
The results were impressive. The study found that adding an SGLT2 inhibitor to treatment reduced the risk of serious heart problems—like heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease—by 11%.
It also cut the chances of being hospitalized for heart failure or dying from heart problems by 23%. In addition, it lowered the risk of chronic kidney disease getting worse by 33%, and slowed the decline in kidney function by nearly 60%.
Importantly, these benefits were seen even when patients were already taking GLP-1 receptor agonists. This means the two medications can work together without interfering with each other. Even better, the researchers did not find any new safety issues with using both drugs at the same time.
Clinical Associate Professor Brendon Neuen from The George Institute for Global Health, who led the study, said it was crucial to look at how these drugs work together, especially as more people are being prescribed GLP-1RAs.
He noted that the two types of medications have different strengths: SGLT2 inhibitors are particularly good at protecting against heart failure and kidney problems, while GLP-1RAs help reduce the chances of heart attacks and strokes and may also benefit kidney health.
Professor Neuen said that based on the findings, people with type 2 diabetes who meet the guidelines for using both medications could see even better health results by taking them together.
Diabetes is known to increase the risk of heart and kidney disease because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time. Many people with diabetes eventually develop heart problems or kidney disease, especially as they live longer with the condition.
This new research suggests that combining these two medications could offer a powerful way to protect the heart and kidneys and improve the long-term health of people with diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about How to choosing the right fruits for type 2 diabetes and findings of New higher dose diabetes drug promises better blood sugar control and weight loss.
For more information about diabetes, please read studies about The hidden connection between cancer and diabetes uncovered and findings of Scientists find the best way to help people with diabetes lose weight.
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