Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The only available SGLT2 inhibitor in Nepal till date is empagliflozin. Empaglilozin has shown to be cardioprotective and renoprotective in randomized trials. It has shown to reduce some weight. There is a lack of data of SGLT2 inhibitors in Nepalese Type 2 diabetes patients.

Aim: The aim of our study is to determine the effects of empagliflozin in glycemic control in terms of HbA1C reduction, weight, improvement in eGFR and side effect profile in Nepalese Type 2 diabetes patients.

Method: This is a retrospective study conducted in our OPD patients from February to September 2019 who were initiated on empagliflozin 10 mg per day who were already on other OHAs and/or insulin therapy. A total of 440 patients were prescribed empagliflozin out of which 230 patients came for the follow up at 3 months and 111 patients in 6 months. Hence, only the data from 111 patients who completed 6 months follow up were analyzed. 55.9% (n = 62) patients were on insulin treatment.

Result: The findings of the study revealed that, out of 111 patients, 53.15% (n = 59) were female and 46.8% (n = 52) were male. Mean HbA1C at the time of initiation of empagliflozin was 7.9 (±1) % while it reduced to 7 (±1) % in 6 months. There was improvement in eGFR from 85 to 92 ml/min/1.73 m². There was weight loss from 71 (±13) kg to 68 (±11) kg at the end of 6 months. There were few incidence of genital infection. Notably, vulvovaginitis was observed in 15.25% of female patients (n = 9), urinary tract infection in 5.4% of all patients (n = 6), balanoposthitis in 3.84% of male patients (n = 2).

Conclusion: There was improvement in glycemic control, weight loss and improvement in eGFR after initiation of empagliflozin in Nepalese Type 2 diabetes patients at the end of 6 months follow up.