SGLT-2 and GLP-1 combo treatment lowers cardiovascular and renal risks

In a new study published in The BMJ, researchers found that using two new classes of T2D drugs together yielded benefits. When study participants took GLP-1 receptor agonists therapy added to a SGLT-2 inhibitor, they curtailed their risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by about 30% compared with taking an agent from just one class. The likelihood for serious renal events was also lower with combination therapy.

Although technically a population-based cohort study, the research was designed to mimic a clinical trial, with outcomes in two new-user cohorts compared with monotherapy controls. Specifically, one cohort included 6,696 patients who initiated GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy and then added a SGLT-2 inhibitor; the other consisted of 8,942 patients who started a SGLT-2 inhibitor before adding a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Combination users were matched one-to-one to counterparts using the same background medication as them, for the same duration.

While randomized clinical trials are needed to validate the results, the study authors believe their findings “highlight the potential benefit of combining these two effective drug classes in preventing cardiovascular and renal events in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.”