Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors on the Risks of Hypertension and Heart Failure in Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) with uncontrolled blood sugar causes a variety of problems, including coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, hypertension, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. These consequences harm the diabetic patients' lives. Many studies have shown that diabetic patients have a higher rate of heart failure and a worse prognosis than non-diabetic people. Sodium and glucose co-transporter receptor-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a relatively new class of anti-diabetic drugs. They not only regulate blood sugar but also have positive cardiovascular effects via a variety of mechanisms. This review intends to show that SGLT2 inhibitors, in addition to good glycemic control, possess a cardioprotective role. We conducted a literature review and identified 20 adequately powered clinical trials and animal studies in type 2 DM that investigated the cardiovascular (CV) effects of SGLT2 inhibitors (particularly heart failure and hypertension). These studies looked at the cardiovascular effects of three SGLT2 inhibitors: Empagliflozin, Canagliflozin, and Dapagliflozin. In diabetic patients, these three inhibitors of SGLT2 significantly lowered the risk of heart failure and hypertension, making them valuable therapy for lowering CV risks in high cardiovascular-risk individuals with T2DM. Finally, the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients without diabetes mellitus showed positive metabolic outcomes in weight and blood pressure control.