Background: SGLT2 inhibitors are a new class of drugs that act by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the proximal renal tubules. Many trials have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and weight, but they have never been examined in Arab or Emirati populations.
Methods: We assessed the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in reducing HbA1c and weight in our population and specifically in an Emirati cohort. We also assessed the effect on fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, lipid profile, serum creatinine, and side effects.
Results: The total number of patients was 307. The baseline HbA1c in the Emirati cohort was 8.9±1.7%, which dropped significantly to 8±1.5% at 6 months (P = 0.0001). At 1 year, the mean HbA1c was 8±1.4%, which was significantly different from baseline (P = 0.0001). However, the change in mean HbA1c from 6 months (8±1.5%) to 1 year (8±1.4%) was not statistically significant (P = 0.88). A similar highly significant change was observed when comparing weights at baseline and 6 months in the Emirati population (85.7 ± 17.8 kg vs. 84 ± 17.2 kg, P = 0.0001). Total cholesterol dropped significantly at 6 months (P = 0.008), as did low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.005).
Conclusions: The use of SGLT2 inhibitors is associated with significant reductions in HbA1c and weight. Unlike all previous trials, the inhibitors significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL. Larger trials are needed to reassess their effects on lipid parameters.
Keywords: Canagliflozin; Dapagliflozin; Efficacy; Emirati; HbA1c; SGLT2 inhibitors; Weight reduction.