For individuals living with type 1 diabetes, every day consists of checking their blood glucose levels, monitoring what they eat, and taking the appropriate amount of insulin to keep their blood sugar levels stable. However, long-term use of insulin can lead to undesirable dose-dependent side effects such as weight gain and hypoglycemia. Since there is currently no cure for T1D, these effects can be concerning because individuals must continue to take insulin for the foreseeable future.

Looking for a way to curb these effects, a recent study examined the efficacy of adding sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2) to treatment for T1D. The medications used for the study were canagliflozin, empagliflozin, sotagliflozin, and dapagliflozin. Four different randomized controlled trials were conducted.

The results showed numerous positive changes when insulin use was combined with one of the four medications. There were statistically significant reductions in A1c levels as well as weight gain. In addition, the amount of insulin needed also decreased. While each medication led to different results, they all had similar effects on reducing these issues. Furthermore, the addition of these medications to treatment did not lead to any significant changes in risk associated with hypoglycemia, adverse events, or episodes of DKA.

This was a small study, so more extensive testing is necessary to evaluate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on T1D treatment on a larger scale. However, these initial tests show promising results and support for conducting more thorough investigations.

It is these types of forward-thinking research studies aimed at improving treatment and quality life for individuals living with T1D that the Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) is passionate about supporting. Though not involved in this study, the DRC has supported dozens of early career scientists by providing funding for novel research. These studies may lead to new breakthroughs or areas that can continue to be explored more deeply. To learn more about current projects and support these efforts, visit https://diabetesresearchconnection.org.