SGLT2 Inhibitors Linked to Lower Risk for AF in T2D

Original Article: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/sglt2-inhibitors-linked-lower-risk-af-t2d-2025a1000fej?form=fpf

Diabetes Drug Shows Unexpected Heart Perk

A recent study from Germany found that a medicine, commonly prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), called an SGLT2 inhibitor may help lower the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is a common and serious irregular heartbeat, which if untreated can markedly increase a person’s risk of stroke. Researchers looked at medical records from 2005 to 2023 and analyzed data from over 29,000 patients with T2D who were diagnosed with AF. They compared these patients with another group of people who had diabetes but did not develop AF, to see what medications they had been taking.

Some Drugs Help, Others Hurt

The study showed that people with T2D who used SGLT2 inhibitors had a lower chance of developing AF. Another type of diabetes medication, called a GLP-1 receptor agonist, also slightly reduced the risk, especially in women and older adults. In contrast, a different diabetes drug called sulfonylurea was linked to a higher risk of AF, particularly in people under 70 years old.

Heart Benefits Beyond Blood Sugar

The researchers believe that SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists might have a helpful and previously unknown effect, in preventing AF in people with T2D. However, the study had some limitations. It did not include detailed information about how often AF occurred or how severe it was, and it did not fully account for other heart-related conditions the patients might have had. Still, the findings suggest that some diabetes medicines may offer heart benefits beyond just lowering blood sugar.