SGLT-2 inhibitors to protect against heart failure
A new class of drugs to treat Typ-2-Diabetes Not only is it associated with promising therapeutic results, it also reduces the risk of engaging those taking it Hospitalization for heart failure require.
In a new study involving experts from Brigham University evaluated cardiovascular outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes and first-line treatment SGLT-2 inhibitors compared to people with type 2 diabetes and metformin treatment.
The results can be found in the English-language journal “Annals of Internal Medicine“ to be read.
Effects of SGLT-2 Inhibitors and Metformin
A total of 8,613 people who were treated with so-called SGLT-2 inhibitors as part of a first-line treatment took part in the study. In addition, the cardiovascular outcomes of 17,226 people who received first-line treatment with metformin were included for comparison.
What are SGLT-2 inhibitors?
Usually will Metformin as first-line therapy used to treat diabetes. In contrast, the new class of diabetes medicines called SGLT-2 inhibitors mainly as second-line therapy investigated, the researchers report.
What is second line therapy?
Such second-line therapy is used by professionals when the first-line therapy no therapeutic success brings. Second-line therapy often uses a different drug or method of treatment.
In the new study, the researchers found that treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors is associated with a similarly high risk of heart attack or stroke and comparable all-cause mortality as treatment with metformin.
Protection against heart failure by SGLT-2 inhibitors
However, participants treated with SGLT-2 inhibitors admitted reduced risk of heart failure hospitalizations than those who received metformin treatment, the team said.
Higher risk of genital infections from SGLT-2 inhibitors
According to the researchers, the risk for the occurrence of undesirable side effects was the same for both drugs similarly high. However, it has been shown that SGLT-2 inhibitors with a increased risk of genital infections compared to metformin use.
„Our results suggest that SGLT-2 inhibitors may be considered as first-line treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease or at increased risk of cardiovascular events‘ explains the author of the study Dr. HoJin Shin in a press release.
„Additional knowledge from randomized clinical trials or observational studies will help us identify the patients who would benefit most from initial treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors for type 2 diabetes‘ adds the doctor. (as)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- HoJin Shin, Sebastian Schneeweiss, Robert J. Glynn, Elisabetta Patorno: Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Initiating First-Line Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes With Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors Versus Metformin; in: Annals of Internal Medicine (veröffentlicht 24.05.2022), Annals of Internal Medicine
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital: Newer class of type 2 diabetes drugs decreased risk for hospitalization for heart failure (veröffentlicht 01.06.2022), Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.