Impact of SGLT-2 Inhibitors on Heart Failure Hospitalization in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Overview of the Study

A comprehensive review involving over 360,000 patients with type 2 diabetes examined the rates of hospitalization for heart failure among those using sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors versus other glucose-lowering medications. The findings indicated that patients on SGLT-2 inhibitors experienced a 39% decrease in heart failure hospitalizations.

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent medical condition characterized by the body’s inability to effectively regulate blood glucose levels. This form of diabetes occurs when body cells develop resistance to insulin, the hormone responsible for glucose control, or when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin.

Introduction of SGLT-2 Inhibitors

In recent years, several innovative medications for managing type 2 diabetes have emerged, including SGLT-2 inhibitors. These drugs function by preventing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, facilitating its excretion through urine, and ultimately lowering blood glucose levels.

Previous Research on Jardiance

One notable study focused on Jardiance, an early SGLT-2 inhibitor developed by Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim. This research demonstrated that, in addition to effectively managing blood glucose levels, patients taking Jardiance had a reduced risk of hospitalization for heart failure, as evidenced by the Empa-Reg Outcome Study.

Further Investigation of SGLT-2 Inhibitors

Motivated by these findings, researchers sought to determine whether similar benefits were applicable to other SGLT-2 inhibitors, such as Farxiga (AstraZeneca) and Invokana (Johnson & Johnson). To address this, they conducted an extensive review of medical records from a large cohort of type 2 diabetes patients, the results of which were presented at the American College of Cardiology Conference in Washington, DC, on March 19, 2017.

Study Population and Findings

The analysis encompassed medical records from more than 360,000 diabetic patients across six countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. The study included patients with varying degrees of heart disease risk, comparing those on SGLT-2 inhibitors to those on alternative glucose-lowering drugs. The researchers noted differences in both hospitalization for heart failure and overall mortality rates.

Patients on SGLT-2 inhibitors demonstrated a 39% reduction in heart failure hospitalizations and a 51% decrease in mortality from all causes when compared to their counterparts taking other diabetes medications.

Conclusions and Future Research

The researchers concluded that the heart failure benefits observed with Jardiance extend to other SGLT-2 inhibitors. Notably, over 90% of the patients analyzed were using either Farxiga or Invokana. However, the study emphasizes the necessity for further research to validate these findings, which is currently in progress. There is optimism that SGLT-2 inhibitors will enhance health outcomes for a diverse range of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Written By: Julie McShane