Could empagliflozin be used to treat both diabetes and heart failure?

REnal and Cardiovascular Effects of SGLT2 inhibition in combination with loop DiurEtics in diabetic patients with Chronic Heart Failure (RECEDE-CHF)

Professor Chim Lang and colleagues at the University of Dundee are looking at whether a drug called empagliflozin could treat people with both diabetes and heart failure. People with diabetes are at greater risk of developing coronary artery disease, and thus also of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Following a heart attack, the heart muscle can become damaged, leading to heart failure. Treating diabetes in heart failure patients is challenging. Heart failure patients are often given diuretics (water tablets) to help reduce the build-up of fluid in tissues, making it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body. However, extended use of diuretic drugs can lead to resistance. SGLT2 inhibitors are new diabetes drugs that reduce blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of sugar excreted in the urine. Professor Lang believes they could enhance the effects of diuretics in people with diabetes and heart failure. In this project, he will carry out a study to see whether a SGLT2 inhibitor called empagliflozin, alongside a diuretic drug, can treat diabetes and reduce fluid retention seen in heart failure. He will work out how empagliflozin affects kidney and heart function, and if they are suitable ‘add-on’ drugs to enhance the effects of diuretics. This research will reveal if SGLT2 inhibitors could help overcome diuretic resistance and improve treatment of people with diabetes and heart failure.