Impact of Dapagliflozin as Add-on Therapy on Glycemic Status and Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of Dapagliflozin as add-on therapy on glycaemic and obesity parameters in type 2 diabetes patients (T2DM) with inadequate glycaemic control and the reflection of this effect on the patient’s quality of life (QoL). Methods: Patients with uncontrolled T2DM [Haemoglobin A1c 7.0%-12.0%] on sulfonylurea, metformin, and gliptin were selected to receive Dapagliflozin 5mg/day for 16 weeks (n=40). Fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c, body weight, and waist circumference were measured. Assessment of patients’ QoL was performed using the Quality of Life Scale for Iraqi Diabetic patients (QOLSID) at baseline and after administration of Dapagliflozin. Dapagliflozin showed a significant reduction in fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), and index of central obesity (ICO) (p<0.001). A significant change in the QOLSID score was also detected after treatment (p<0.001). High BMI was a negative predictor for patients’ QoL. Dapagliflozin achieved beneficial effects on Iraqi T2DM patients who were already inadequately controlled by three oral antidiabetic agents. This promising result may help physicians in prescribing Dapagliflozin as an alternative to insulin for patients who refuse injectable anti-diabetic agents.