Empagliflozin improves beta cell function independently of relief of glucotoxicity in patients with type 2 diabetes: results from a randomised cross-over study with insulin as comparator.

ABSTRACT:

Aims/hypothesis

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve beta cell function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It has been suggested this is due to relief of glucotoxicity, but the mechanism is unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin, compared with NPH insulin treatment, on beta cell function, and, secondarily, on insulin sensitivity.

Methods

In this open-label, randomised, cross-over study, 17 individuals with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes were randomised to receive 5 weeks of treatment with either empagliflozin or insulin titrated to a similar level of glycaemic control as with empagliflozin before crossing over to the other treatment. Key inclusion criteria included age ≥18 years

SUBMITTER: Thirumathyam R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12881062 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature