A Comparison of Effectiveness, Safety, and Cost-effectiveness of Dapagliflozin and Empagliflozin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and High Body Mass Index (BMI)

Lab values

• Patients were excluded if they had uncontrolled diabetes with an HbA1c level greater than 10.0% or if they had used SGLT2 inhibitors, insulin, or GLP-1 receptor agonists within 90 days prior to randomization. Individuals with a history of bariatric surgery or those planning such surgery during the study period were not eligible. Current alcohol consumption of ≥140 g/week in women or ≥210 g/week in men-equivalent to at least 14 or 21 standard drinks per week, respectively-was also an exclusion criterion. Acutely ill patients visiting the OPD, those receiving medications known to cause hepatic steatosis (such as amiodarone, valproate, tamoxifen, methotrexate, or steroids), and individuals with an eGFR \<45 mL/min/1.73 m² were excluded. Patients with contraindications to SGLT2 inhibitor use, including a history of recurrent urinary or genital infections, current or previous gangrene, known hypersensitivity to the drug, or a history of diabetic ketoacidosis, were also not included. Pregnant or breastfeeding women were excluded from participation.

• Adults aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who have been on stable background therapy for at least three months were eligible for inclusion. Participants were required to have an HbA1c level between 7% and 10% while receiving Metformin with or without other oral hypoglycemic agents, and there had to be a clear clinical indication to initiate an SGLT2 inhibitor. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 23 kg/m² or higher and who were willing to provide written informed consent were included in the study.