Combinational therapy with metformin and sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors in management of type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analyses

• Q. Zhang
• J. Dou
• Juming Lu

Abstract

Aims: In search of add-on treatments to metformin, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are potential candidates. This meta-analysis examines the potential use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in combination with metformin as a therapeutic option for type 2 diabetes management in patients with inadequate control with metformin.

Methods: A literature search was made in several databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) utilizing metformin therapy combined with SGLT-2 inhibitors or placebo. Heterogeneity was estimated with I2 statistics and random effect model was chosen for the meta-analyses of mean differences in changes from baseline in both SGLT-2 inhibitor treated and control groups.

Results: Seven RCTs were selected for the metaanalysis. In comparison with placebo-MET, the SGLT-2 inhibitor–MET combination therapy resulted in significant HbA1c decline in 12–24 week duration, to less extent after 1 year (-0.37 [-0.77, 0.03]; р=0.07) but not by 2 year (-0.41 [-1.09, 0.28]; р=0.24) duration. SGLT-2 inhibitor–MET significantly lowered FPG and body weight after 24 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure declined only in the short-term (12–24 weeks). After 2 years, neither systolic (-1.80 [-6.18, 2.58]; р=0.42) nor diastolic blood pressure (-0.20 [-2.94, 2.54]; р=0.89) declined significantly more than control. Incidence of suspected genital infections was slightly more in SGLT-2 inhibitor–MET group.

Conclusion: SGLT-2 inhibition in combination with metformin is a potential therapeutic option based on its effects on glycemic control, body weight, and blood pressure, but further trials are required to refine this evidence.

Keywords:metformin, childhood obesity, diabetes, mellitus, body mass index, insulin sensitivity