A research study conducted over a period of 32 weeks analyzed the impact of two drugs, empagliflozin and semaglutide, as well as their combined use, on vascular function. Surprising results emerged from the study that may alter how diabetes is managed.
The study involved a total of 120 participants known to have type 2 diabetes. These participants were assigned to four groups at random: a placebo group, a semaglutide group, an empagliflozin group, and a group receiving both medications simultaneously. The study’s key outcomes focused on changes in arterial stiffness and kidney oxygenation, specifically using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity as a measure of arterial stiffness.
All groups, including the combination treatment, saw no significant changes in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. This challenges prior assumptions about these medications’ effects on arterial stiffness. However, other significant results were uncovered during the study.
The group receiving the combination treatment showed a significant decrease in 24-hour systolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg, a notable improvement compared to both the placebo and single drug groups. This marked reduction could be a potential method for managing cardiovascular risk in people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, the combination treatment also achieved an increase in glycemic time in the range, climbing from 72% at the beginning of the study to 91% at the 32nd week. This substantial improvement did not come with an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Other notable effects included a decrease in the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio by 36% in the combination group when compared to those on a placebo.
While the study did not see a reduction in arterial stiffness from using the medications, it observed a surprising and vital decrease in 24-hour systolic blood pressure and an improvement in glycemic control and kidney health in the combination group. As a result, the combination treatment presents a promising opportunity for diabetes management. Further research may explore these findings further, potentially leading to more effective strategies for managing cardiovascular risks in those with type 2 diabetes.
