Effects of the SGLT2 Inhibitor Dapagliflozin on Energy Metabolism in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind Crossover Trial
<b>Background:</b> SGTL2 inhibitors increase urinary glucose excretion and have beneficial effects on cardiovascular and renal outcomes; the underlying mechanism may involve caloric restriction-like metabolic effects due to urinary glucose loss. We investigated the effects of dapagliflozin on 24h energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. <p><b>Methods</b>: 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.</p> <p><b>Results</b>: Evaluable patients (n=24) had a mean (SD) age of 64<b>.</b>2(4<b>.</b>6) years, BMI of 28<b>.</b>1(2<b>.</b>4) kg/m2, and HbA1c of 6.9 (0.7)% (51<b>.</b>7 (6<b>.</b>8) mmol/mol). Rate of glucose disappearance was unaffected by dapagliflozin, while fasting endogenous glucose production (EGP) increased by dapagliflozin (+2<b>.</b>27 (1<b>.</b>39, 3<b>.</b>14) μmol/kg/min, p<0<b>.</b>0001). Insulin-induced suppression of EGP (-1<b>.</b>71 (-2<b>.</b>75, -0<b>.</b>63) μmol/kg/min, p=0<b>.</b>0036) and plasma free fatty acids (-21<b>.</b>93 (-39<b>.</b>31, -4<b>.</b>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). </p> <p><b>Interpretation</b>: 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.</p>