The study aims to uncover whether the medication dapagliflozin can prevent serious health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure. This collaborative project brings together leading researchers across multiple European institutions to develop a comprehensive understanding of SGLT2 inhibitors' multisystem effects and their potential to improve hypertension management.  

While SGLT2 medications were initially developed for glucose control in type 2 diabetes, recent large-scale clinical trials have demonstrated remarkable cardiovascular and renal benefits that appear independent of their glucose-lowering effects. However, clarity is needed around the longevity of a reduction of these complications.  

Dr Elias Rawish, coordinating investigator of the study, furthered this saying, “we need robust scientific evidence to determine whether dapagliflozin not only lowers blood pressure but also sustainably reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events and premature death.” 

For healthcare professionals working in diabetes care, the SGLT2-HYPE study's findings highlight the evolving understanding of diabetes as a complex cardiometabolic disorder where medications may have beneficial effects extending beyond their primary targets. This insight could potentially lead to optimised treatment protocols for high-risk or target populations and inform the development of new and innovative therapies that have strong efficacy while minimising side effects.  

If positive effects of SGLT2 inhibitors can be confirmed, there could be a significant shift in hypertension treatment, including the prevention of over 250,000 premature deaths annually and reducing the financial burden on the EU healthcare system by up to €10 billion per year. 

As healthcare professionals continue navigating the expanding role of SGLT2 inhibitors in clinical practice, the SGLT2-HYPE study promises to provide evidence-based insights into if these medications protect the heart and kidneys, potentially transforming our approach to cardiometabolic disease management in patients with diabetes. 

Read more here: https://www.sglt2-hype.eu/