8 Things You Need to Know about New SGLT2 Inhibitor Study
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A recent study showed some benefits to taking SGLT2 inhibitors to treat Type 2 diabetes.
The study compared certain SGLT2 inhibitors with other glucose-lowering drugs (oGLDs).
Results showed patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors to treat Type 2 diabetes were less likely to experience heart attack and stroke than patients using oGLDs.
The study also suggested SGLT2 inhibitors might offer Type 2 diabetes patients certain heart and cardiovascular benefits over oGLDs.
But the study results don’t tell consumers the whole story.
Here’s eight things consumers need to know about the latest SGLT2 inhibitor study:
- AstraZeneca funded the study. The multinational pharmaceutical company manufactures SGLT2 inhibitors.
- The study’s author stressed the need for longer-term follow-up to see whether the positive effects seen in the study would last.
- Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) was among the SGLT2 inhibitors studied. AstraZeneca manufactures Farxiga.
- Researchers also studied empagliflozin (Jardiance), ipragliflozin (Suglat), canagliflozin (Invokana), tofogliflozin and luseogliflozin. They did not specify which oGLDs they studied.
- The study excluded safety data. The medical community uses patient safety data to prevent side effects and to confirm the overall safety of a drug or treatment.
- Previous studies have linked SGLT2 inhibitors to serious and even life-threatening side effects. These include an increased risk of amputation, and blood and kidney infections.
- Researchers gathered data for the study from patient medical records and claims databases. They did not have the data independently verified against the source documents.
- The study was observational. So, its authors noted the possibility of other factors that could have influenced the outcome.
Dr. Mikhail Kosiborod presented the study results this month at the 67th American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions in Orlando. The Journal of the American College of Cardiology simultaneously published the study.