The epidemiology of ketosis and low bicarbonate concentration in inpatients treated with sodium-glucose linked cotransporter inhibitors or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors.

AIMS: To compare the level of ketones and bicarbonate in inpatients treated with sodium-glucose linked cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and those treated with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i). METHODS: We conducted an electronic medical records-based cohort study. We identified patients with type 2 diabetes, with ketone measurements available, who received SGLT2i (n = 82) or DPP4i (n = 308) during admission. We compared ketone levels between those who received SGLT2i or DPP4i using mixed ordinal logistic regression. The primary outcome was level of ketosis (<0.6, 0.6-1.5, 1.6-3.0, >3 mmol/L). Secondary outcomes included bicarbonate levels, hospital complications, ICU admission, and death. RESULTS: SGLT2i use was not associated with greater ketosis than DPP4i use, after adjusting for age, weight, Charlson Comorbidity Index, HbA1c, estimated glomerular filtration rate, principal diagnosis category, admission type and insulin administration (OR 4.52 95 % CI (0.33, 61.82)). After adjustment, there was no difference in complications (p = 0.14), ICU admissions (p = 0.64), mortality (p = 0.30), or bicarbonate levels (p = 0.97). CONCLUSION: Ketone levels were not greater in patients who received SGLT2i than those who received DPP4i. There were no differences in bicarbonate levels, complications, ICU admissions, or mortality, implying that, in inpatients, SGLT2i use is neither associated with ketosis nor adverse clinical outcomes.

The comparative epidemiology and outcomes of hospitalized patients treated with SGLT2 or DPP4 inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of sodium glucose linked cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) in hospitalized patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Electronic medical records-based cohort study. Identification of patients with type 2 diabetes and treatment with SGLT2i (n = 466) or DPP4i (n = 1541). Outcomes compared between those who received SGLT2i and those who received DPP4i. The primary outcome: adjusted percentage of blood glycemia within 4-10 mmol/L. RESULTS: After adjustment, SGLT2i use had a statistically equivalent percentage of glycemia within range (coefficient: 4.55, 95% CI -3.23 to 12.32, p = 0.25) or <4 mmol/L (coefficient -0.17, 95% CI -0.71 to 3.72, p = 0.54). There were no significant differences in hospital length of stay (p = 0.22), complications, (p = 0.11) or mortality (p = 0.57). When measured, ketone levels were higher in the SGLT2i group on admission, but lower on days 3, 4 and 5 (p < 0.001 for interaction). Bicarbonate levels were not statistically different between groups. Finally, 54% of patients whose SGLT2i was ceased during admission, were discharged home without it. CONCLUSION: Among inpatients with type 2 diabetes, SGLT2i use was associated with equivalent within-target glycaemia and no significant increase in hypoglycemia, ketonemia, or lower bicarbonate levels. These hypothesis-generating findings support further investigation of SGLT2i therapy in inpatients.