Effects of the SGLT2 Inhibitor Dapagliflozin on Energy Metabolism in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind Crossover Trial
Methods: Twenty-six type 2 diabetes patients were randomized to a 5-week double-blind, cross-over study with 6-8-week wash-out. 24h energy metabolism and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were measured by indirect calorimetry, both by whole-room calorimetry and by ventilated hood during a two-step euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Results are presented as the differences in least squares mean (LSM) (95% CI) between treatments.
Results: Evaluable patients (n=24) had a mean (SD) age of 64.2(4.6) years, BMI of 28.1(2.4) kg/m2, and HbA1c of 6.9 (0.7)% (51.7 (6.8) mmol/mol). Rate of glucose disappearance was unaffected by dapagliflozin, while fasting endogenous glucose production (EGP) increased by dapagliflozin (+2.27 (1.39, 3.14) μmol/kg/min, p<0.0001). Insulin-induced suppression of EGP (-1.71 (-2.75, -0.63) μmol/kg/min, p=0.0036) and plasma free fatty acids (-21.93 (-39.31, -4.54) %, p=0.016) was greater with dapagliflozin. 24h energy expenditure (-0.11 (-0.24, 0.03) MJ/day) remained unaffected by dapagliflozin, but dapagliflozin reduced RER during day- and night-time resulting in an increased day to night-time difference in RER (-0.010 (-0.017, -0.002), p=0.016). Dapagliflozin treatment resulted in a negative 24h energy and fat balance (-20.51 (-27.90, -13.12) g/day).
Interpretation: Dapagliflozin treatment for 5 weeks resulted in major adjustments of metabolism mimicking caloric restriction; increased fat oxidation, improved hepatic and adipose insulin sensitivity and improved 24h energy metabolism.
