An Investigation of Long-Term Changes in Biometric and Biochemical Parameters in a Retrospective Cohort Using Uninterrupted SGLT-2 Inhibitor Therapy

Objective: The study aims to examine the long-term effects of sodium-glucose Co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor therapy on biometric and biochemical parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: We investigated 473 patients between November 2019 and October 2020. After patients with interrupted medication, taking medications for obesity, and not attending follow-up visits were excluded, 94 patients formed the study group. Patients were observed before the initiation of SGLT-2 inhibitors and continued to be followed for up to 156 weeks. Results: Significant decreases in body weight and body mass index (BMI) observed in the short term (Week 12) continued to plateau in the medium term (Weeks 52 and 104). However, in the long term (156th week), body weight and BMI were statistically reduced compared to week 12th. The favorable change observed in the patients' lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, and serum uric acid levels in the short term was replaced by a plateau in the medium and long term. Conclusion: The beneficial effects observed in the short term with SGLT-2 inhibitors may differ in the long term. Accordingly, weight loss increases significantly again at Week 156, but biochemical parameters such as lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, and uric acid levels continued to plateau.