Comparison of the clinical efficacy of linagliptin with SGLT2 inhibitors in diabetic patients: A comparative cross-sectional study from Pakistan

This study compares linagliptin and SGLT-2 inhibitors to optimize diabetes management by evaluating their glycemic and non-glycemic effects. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from May to October 2023. Patients using linagliptin were assigned to group 1, while those on SGLT-2 inhibitors comprised group 2. Frequencies and percentages were used for categorical variables, and mean with standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables. An independent t-test assessed clinical outcomes before and after six months of treatment, with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Of the 278 patients enrolled (mean age: 53 years, SD: 13.4; 55.2% male), 39 were in group 1, and 239 in group 2. SGLT-2 inhibitors showed a greater reduction in HbA1c (-0.66 vs. -0.46, p=0.002) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference: 2.65 mmHg, p=0.005). Linagliptin significantly reduced BMI (mean difference: 0.65 kg/m², p=0.03), while no significant weight change was observed with SGLT-2 inhibitors. SGLT-2 inhibitors provided superior glycemic control and reduced blood pressure, while linagliptin was more effective in lowering BMI. Further studies are needed to explore linagliptin’s potential benefits.