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Empagliflozin in HNF1A-MODY (MODY3): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial

Maagensen H, Høyerup SO, Jensen JS, Thuesen ACB, Forman JL, Thomsen HH, Vestergaard H, Knop FK et al.

Diabetes care, 2026

18 participants · 3 citations

Abstract

Objective: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) caused by pathogenic variants in HNF1A is a common form of monogenic diabetes. Sulfonylurea drugs are considered first-line treatment of HNF1A-MODY (MODY3), but intensified treatment is often needed. HNF1A encodes a transcription factor involved in the regulation of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2). Accordingly, the glucose-lowering efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in HNF1A-MODY is questionable. Here, we assess the glucose-lowering effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin as an add-on for treatment of individuals with HNF1A-MODY.

Research design and methods: MOD3ST-TRIAL was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Adults with HNF1A-MODY treated with at least one glucose-lowering drug were randomized to be treated with empagliflozin 25 mg for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week washout period and then received placebo for 4 weeks or the opposite sequence. The primary outcome was mean glucose concentration assessed by 10 days of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

Results: Nineteen individuals were randomized and 18 participants (n = 10 women [56%]; median [Q1, Q3] HbA1c 7.5% [7.0, 8.4] or 58 [53, 68] mmol/mol, mean [SD] CGM glucose concentration 10.4 [2.5] mmol/L) completed the study. Compared with placebo, empagliflozin lowered the mean glucose level 2.3 mmol/L (95% CI 1.3 to 3.3; P = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in hypoglycemic outcomes. Adverse events were generally mild and…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 18 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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