Weight loss differences seen between glucagon-like peptide–1 receptor agonists and sodium–glucose cotransporter–2 inhibitors for treatment of type 2 diabetes

Background: Weight loss is an advantageous quality for diabetic medications because it can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control and reduce cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. Glucagon-like peptide–1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and sodium–glucose cotransporter–2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are both preferred agents for use after metformin therapy, and both cause modest weight loss. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in weight loss between GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: This was a retrospective study that was conducted at a level 3 patient-centered medical home in Buffalo, NY. The participants were adults with T2D treated with either a GLP-1 receptor agonist or an SGLT-2 inhibitor, in addition to background diabetes medications, between January 1, 2012, and September 20, 2017. The outcome measures included the median weight loss after 6 months of consecutive therapy compared between the 2 antidiabetic classes and the median differences in blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) levels, and renal function markers compared between the 2 classes. Results: A total of 73 patients were included in the final analysis, with 31 receiving SGLT-2 inhibitors and 42 receiving therapy with GLP-1 receptor agonists. The SGLT-2 inhibitor cohort presented a median weight loss of –2.80 kg (interquartile range [IQR] –5.40 to –1.50), and the GLP-1 receptor agonist cohort presented a median weight loss of –1.15 kg (IQR –3.38 to 0.975) (P = 0.014). There were no statistically significant differences in A1C levels, blood pressure, or renal function markers. Conclusion: SGLT-2 inhibitors, when used in combination with background diabetes regimens, can lead to more statistically significant weight loss than GLP-1 receptor agonists without compromising renal function.