The primary preventive effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors on chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Aim: To assess the efficacy of Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLTis) in the primary prevention (PP) of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Method: Literature was retrieved from MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to January 1, 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or their subgroups and observational studies involving T2D patients without CKD treated with SGLTis for ≥ 1 year, focusing on CKD-related composite outcomes. Seven articles meeting inclusion criteria were included. The hazard ratio (RR) was calculated, and the degree of heterogeneity was assessed. Subsequently, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were computed accordingly.
Result: In RCTs, 15,228 eligible participants received SGLTis and 12,736 received placebo. Meta-analysis using random-effects models showed that SGLTis reduced CKD-related composite outcomes by 53% (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.39, 0.57; P < 0.0001) with low heterogeneity (I² = 6%). Observational data also indicated a lower CKD incidence (0.6-0.7%) with SGLTis versus other glucose-lowering therapies in individuals with CKD PP.
Conclusions: SGLTis significantly lower CKD incidence in T2D patients without baseline CKD. Further RCTs are necessary to validate our conclusions.
Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD420251168634.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 15,228 participants or records.
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