Weight loss is an important quality for diabetic medications as being overweight is a common characteristic of the disease and can eventually lead to reduced insulin sensitivity.
With weight loss, it is possible to regain insulin sensitivity, improve glucose control, and reduce heart risk factors and comorbidities.
Both SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists are recommended as second-line therapies for Type 2 diabetes after the use of metformin, a drug also prescribed to control blood sugar, says Albanese.
In a recent study from the University at Buffalo, scientists found that people with Type 2 diabetes who were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors lost more weight than patients who received GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The study sought to evaluate the difference in weight loss caused by antidiabetic medications—both of which work to control blood sugar levels.
The researchers found that among 72 patients, people using SGLT2 inhibitors experienced a median weight loss of more than 6 pounds, while those on GLP-1 receptor agonists lost a median of 2.5 pounds.
In the study, researchers examined records for patients with Type 2 diabetes who received either SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists, in addition to other diabetes medications, from 2012-17.
They measured weight loss after six months of consecutive therapy, and differences in blood pressure, blood sugar levels and kidney function.
Canagliflozin, sold under the brand name Invokana, was the most commonly prescribed SGLT2 inhibitor. Liraglutide, sold under the brand name Victoza, was the most commonly prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonist.
The team found no differences in blood pressure, blood sugar levels and kidney function after the use of the medications.
But SGLT2 inhibitors are more protective against weight gain caused by other antidiabetic drugs than GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The results counter previous research that has found GLP-1 receptor agonists to be the superior antidiabetic drug for weight loss
The team says these medications at doses approved for treating Type 2 diabetes are not intended for weight loss.
However, this should not discourage the discussion of this potential benefit, as even a small amount of weight loss is a unique advantage of these drugs, especially when compared to potential weight gain caused by other treatment options.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about high vitamin D levels linked to lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and brown rice and white rice affect the diabetes risk differently.
If you care about weight loss, please read studies that avocado could help you lose weight and belly fat, and a keto-diet for weight loss can cause flu-like symptoms.
The study was published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association and conducted by Nicole Paolini Albanese, et al.
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