Impact of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Cardiovascular Risk Scores, Metabolic Parameters, and Laboratory Profiles in Type 2 Diabetes
Nazif Yalçın, Selman Aktaş, Seyit Uyar, Nizameddin Koca
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are known to provide cardioprotective effects, but their influence on validated cardiovascular risk models remains underexplored. This study assessed the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular risk scores, metabolic parameters, and laboratory profiles over six months. Methods: This study was conducted on 152 T2DM patients initiating SGLT2 inhibitors. Cardiovascular risk was evaluated using the SCORE2-DM model at baseline and after six months. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis assessed temporal risk stratification changes. Metabolic parameters and laboratory profiles were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Cardiovascular risk scores decreased significantly, i.e., from 21.68 to 17.43 (p < 0.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were reduced by 9.21 mmHg and 6.16 mmHg, respectively (p < 0.001). BMI declined by 1.27 kg/m2 (p < 0.001), and HbA1c decreased by 1.38% (p < 0.001). Triglyceride levels dropped by 22.91 mg/dL (p < 0.001), while renal parameters remained stable. The GEE analysis confirmed significant shifts to lower cardiovascular risk categories (β = −0.777, p < 0.001), with comparable efficacy between empagliflozin and dapagliflozin (p = 0.922). Conclusions: SGLT2 inhibitor therapy significantly reduces cardiovascular risk and improves metabolic and laboratory parameters in T2DM patients. These findings highlight the importance of integrating SGLT2 inhibitors into comprehensive cardiometabolic management strategies.