A recent study published in BMJ Open examines the real-world effectiveness and safety of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in improving cardiovascular outcomes for patients in Thailand with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and heart failure (HF). Using data collected from electronic health records across two large tertiary care hospitals over 12 years, the retrospective cohort study evaluated the impact of SGLT2i on heart failure hospitalizations, non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, all-cause mortality, and adverse events.

The findings reveal substantial benefits associated with SGLT2i use. Patients receiving SGLT2i experienced a 59% reduction in heart failure hospitalizations, a 54% reduction in stroke, a 51% reduction in myocardial infarction, and a 76% reduction in all-cause in-hospital mortality compared to those not using SGLT2i. Additionally, the study reported lower rates of adverse events such as urinary tract infections and hypoglycemia in the SGLT2i group.

These results support the inclusion of SGLT2i in treatment protocols for high-risk patients with T2D and HF, emphasizing their potential to improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes. However, the researchers also highlight the need for further studies to explore barriers to SGLT2i prescription in routine practice and to examine their long-term effects more comprehensively​ .