Impact of glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on type 2 diabetes patients with renal impairment

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a progressive disease with cardiovascular complications. We evaluated the impact of a glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors dapagliflozin and empagliflozin on renal and cardiac function in type 2 diabetes patients with renal impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 156 patients referred with suboptimal glycemic control were assigned to Group G (GLP-1): n = 72 or Group S (SGLT-2 inhibitor)—dapagliflozin (n = 52) or empagliflozin (n = 32). Renal function was assessed every 3 months for 36 months. Cardiovascular parameters were evaluated every 12 months for 36 months. RESULTS: Compared with baseline, HbA1c and systolic blood pressure significantly decreased in both groups (p < 0.05). The estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased, but without significance. Albuminuria decreased significantly in both groups and then subsequently increased after 30 months in Group S. Diastolic cardiac function, assessed by E/e′ or left atrial volume index, decreased only in Group G at 36 months. CONCLUSIONS: The GLP-1 receptor agonist and SGLT-2 inhibitors were effective for glycemic and blood pressure control and for maintaining renal function. The GLP-1 receptor agonist improved diastolic function at 36 months.