Comparing cardiovascular benefits between GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors as an add-on to metformin among patients with type 2 diabetes: A retrospective cohort study.

AIMS: This study aimed to compare cardiovascular benefits associated with the use of GLP-1RA versus SGLT2i as add-on therapies to metformin among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with and without a history of cardiovascular complications, using real-world data. METHODS: Using data from the IBM® MarketScan® Commercial Claims Databases, metformin users above 18years with T2D who initiated GLP-1RA or SGLT2i were identified. The study endpoints include MI, stroke, CHF, and a cardiovascular composite of these three outcomes. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to compare the risks of cardiovascular endpoints while controlling for demographics and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: We identified 13,006 adults with T2D who initiated a GLP-1RA or SGLT2i as an add-on therapy to metformin and followed for a maximum of 5years. No difference in the endpoints was observed between users of two drugs who did not have established cardiovascular disease at baseline. However, significantly lower CHF risks (HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.28-0.79) and cardiovascular composite (HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47-0.97) were observed in SGLT2i users compared with GLP-1RA users, among individuals with established cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest greater cardioprotective benefit from SGLT2i compared to GLP-1RA when used for secondary prevention among adults with T2D.