Comparison of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, SGLT-2 Inhibitors, and DPP-4 Inhibitors as an Add-On Drug to Insulin Combined With Oral Hypoglycemic Drugs: Umbrella Review

J Diabetes Res. 2024 Jul 20:2024:8145388. doi: 10.1155/2024/8145388. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Background: The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i), and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i) in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes with poor efficacy of basic insulin and metformin/sulfonylurea by umbrella review. Materials and Methods: Forming the data of publication of each database through 13 September 2022, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were surveyed. Results: A total of seven meta-analyses were included in the umbrella review. The combination of GLP-1 RA (WMD -3.41 [-5.61, -1.21], p = 0.002), SGLT-2i (WMD -5.34 [-9.56, -1.13], p = 0.013), and DPP-4i (WMD -5.56 [-7.39, -3.73], p ≤ 0.001) can significantly reduce HbA1c levels, respectively. The combination of GLP-1 RA (WMD -1.55 [-2.92, -0.18], p = 0.027), SGLT-2i (WMD -2.96 [-6.68, 0.77], p = 0.12), and DPP-4i (WMD -2.05 [-2.82, -1.28], p ≤ 0.001) can significantly reduce fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, respectively. The combination of GLP-1 RA (WMD -3.24 [-5.14, -1.34], p < 0.001) can significantly reduce body weight of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The dose of basic insulin in diabetes patients after combined use of GLP-1 RA (WMD -2.74 [-4.26, -1.22], p ≤ 0.001) was significantly reduced. The combination use of GLP-1 RAs (OR 1.28 [1.05, 1.56], p = 0.017) increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Conclusions: The combination of GLP-1 RAs, DPP-4i, and SGLT-2i can effectively lower HbA1c and FPG in T2DM patients who have poor therapeutic effects on basic insulin combined with metformin/sulfonylureas, respectively. Compared to placebo, GLP-1 RAs can significantly reduce body weight and basic insulin dosage, while DPP-4i and SGLT-2i have a lower risk of hypoglycemia. Trial Registration: CRD42023410345.

Keywords: DPP-4; GLP-1; SGLT-2; Type 2 diabetes; basic insulin; umbrella review.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors* / administration & dosage
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination*
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists*
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Hypoglycemic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Insulin* / administration & dosage
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors* / administration & dosage
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin
  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists