A Comparison of the Effects of Empagliflozin and Sitagliptin, When Combined With Metformin, on Lipid Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Clinical Investigation

Introduction Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is emerging as a major global health concern. An associated condition, dyslipidemia, which acts as a significant modifiable risk factor for T2D, exhibits variations across different ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. While many patients rely on metformin as their primary treatment, it does not always effectively control hyperglycemia. As a result, there is a growing need for adjunctive treatments, including sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. This study evaluated the comparative effects of empagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) and sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor), both combined with metformin, on the lipid profiles of individuals with T2D. Methods Over six months at the Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital in Islamabad, we enrolled 126 participants diagnosed with T2D. Using a nonprobability consecutive sampling technique, we divided them into two groups. Group A received metformin and empagliflozin, while Group B was administered metformin and sitagliptin. We assessed their fasting lipid profiles three months into the treatment. Results Both groups consisted of 63 patients each. We observed that those in Group B, treated with sitagliptin and metformin, demonstrated a more significant reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-C levels than those in Group A, treated with empagliflozin and metformin. This difference proved to be statistically meaningful. Conclusion The combination of sitagliptin and metformin showed enhanced benefits in lipid profile management compared to the combination of empagliflozin and metformin in patients with T2D. This discovery underscores the need for holistic treatment modalities that factor in blood glucose levels and cardiovascular health.