Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on body composition and potential sarcopenia-related outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a network meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Although Sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors provide substantial cardiovascular and renal benefits in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), their effects on sarcopenia-related body composition outcomes remain uncertain.
Methods: Eight databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling adults with T2DM that compared SGLT2 inhibitors with placebo or other glucose-lowering therapies, with a minimum follow-up of 12 weeks. A frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis was conducted. Primary outcomes were skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and lean mass (LM). Secondary outcomes included fat mass (FM), body fat percentage (PBF), visceral and subcutaneous fat, anthropometric measures, and safety outcomes.
Results: Thirty-three RCTs involving 5,399 participants were included. No SGLT2 inhibitor significantly reduced SMM compared with placebo (all 95% confidence intervals crossed zero). For LM, empagliflozin (mean difference [MD] -1.22 kg, 95% CI -1.71 to -0.72), ipragliflozin (MD -0.99 kg, 95% CI -1.45 to -0.54), and canagliflozin (MD -0.80 kg, 95% CI -1.39 to -0.21) were associated with modest reductions in LM compared with placebo, whereas dapagliflozin and tofogliflozin showed neutral effects. In contrast, SGLT2 inhibitors consistently reduced FM (e.g., dapagliflozin MD -1.75 kg, 95% CI -2.63 to -0.87), PBF, visceral and subcutaneous fat, body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). Safety analyses were limited by…
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: 5,399 participants or records.
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