What are the advantages of the new antidiabetic drug dapagliflozin compared with metformin?

Dapagliflozin, a new type of hypoglycemic drug launched in recent years, is highly praised by clinical physicians and diabetics for its unique hypoglycemic mechanism and significant hypoglycemic effect. Dapagliflozin is an inhibitor of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2, which mainly acts on the proximal renal tubules, promotes the excretion of glucose by the kidneys, and then exerts a hypoglycemic effect. As a first-line treatment for diabetes, metformin is absolutely a "god-like" existence. It not only has a definite hypoglycemic effect, but also has advantages such as few side effects and low price. So, compared with metformin, what are the advantages of dapagliflozin that make it "requested" by patients? Let's make it clear in one article today.

1. Protect your heart

Last year, the US FDA approved dapagliflozin for the treatment of heart failure, making it the first SGLT2 inhibitor used to treat heart failure. This is mainly because dapagliflozin can reduce blood volume, reduce water and sodium retention, and reduce myocardial load through osmotic diuresis. On the other hand, it can improve myocardial remodeling.

2. Treatment of chronic kidney disease

On August 30, 2022, the China National Medical Products Administration officially approved the indication of dapagliflozin for chronic kidney disease. This is mainly due to the fact that dapagliflozin can protect the kidneys by reducing RAAS activity, reducing urine protein and inflammatory response, and reducing renal pressure and perfusion.

3. Lowers Blood Pressure

This is mainly because after taking dapagliflozin, blood vessels will be constricted, resulting in reduced blood flow in the blood vessels, and then symptomatic hypotension will occur. Therefore, patients with renal insufficiency or who are taking diuretics should use it with caution.

4. Weight loss

Although metformin has a certain weight loss effect, this effect is relatively weak. Dapagliflozin promotes the excretion of glucose in the body and has a stronger effect on reducing weight than metformin. Long-term use of dapagliflozin can reduce the weight of patients by 3-5kg.

In summary, the emergence of dapagliflozin does provide us with more new ideas for treatment. It is indeed better than metformin in protecting the heart and kidneys, lowering blood pressure, and reducing weight. However, it also needs to be evaluated by a professional when used, and should not be taken without authorization.