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The role of empagliflozin-induced metabolic changes for cardiac function in patients with type 2 diabetes. A randomized cross-over magnetic resonance imaging study with insulin as comparator

Roopameera Thirumathyam, Erik A. Richter, G. van Hall, J. J. Holst, M. Fenger, J. Götze, U. Dixen, N. Vejlstrup et al.

Cardiovascular Diabetology, 2024

17 participants · 6 citations

Abstract

Background: Metabolic effects of empagliflozin treatment include lowered glucose and insulin concentrations, elevated free fatty acids and ketone bodies and have been suggested to contribute to the cardiovascular benefits of empagliflozin treatment, possibly through an improved cardiac function. We aimed to evaluate the influence of these metabolic changes on cardiac function in patients with T2D.

Methods: In a randomized cross-over design, the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin (E) was compared with insulin (I) treatment titrated to the same level of glycemic control in 17 patients with type 2 diabetes, BMI of > 28 kg/m2, C-peptide > 500 pM. Treatments lasted 5 weeks and were preceded by 3-week washouts (WO). At the end of treatments and washouts, cardiac diastolic function was determined with magnetic resonance imaging from left ventricle early peak-filling rate and left atrial passive emptying fraction (primary and key secondary endpoints); systolic function from left ventricle ejection fraction (secondary endpoint). Coupling between cardiac function and fatty acid concentrations, was studied on a separate day with a second scan after reduction of plasma fatty acids with acipimox. Data are Mean ± standard error. Between treatment difference (ΔT: E-I) and treatments effects (ΔE: E-WO or ΔI: I -WO) were evaluated using Students' t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test as appropriate.

Results: Glucose concentrations were similar, fatty acids, ketone bodies and lipid oxidation…

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: 17 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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