Journal of Diabetes Metabolism and Endocrinology
Association of Empagliflozin Therapy with Cardiovascular Outcomes, diabetic retinopathy and Otorhinolaryngological complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study
By Sonia Khan, Syeda Tehreem Kanwal, Muhammad Raihan and 5 others.
Abstract
Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with multisystem complications affecting the cardiovascular system, retina and otorhinolaryngological (ENT) structures. Diabetic retinopathy represented a major cause of preventable visual impairment, whereas ENT manifestations including sensorineural hearing impairment, tinnitus, recurrent otitis externa and sinonasal symptoms. Empagliflozin, a sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, anti huperglycemic drug that demonstrated established cardiovascular and renal benefits.
Objective
The study aimed to evaluate the association between empagliflozin therapy in preventing diabetes complications i.e, retinopathy and ENT complications in patients with T2DM, with secondary assessment of glycemic control and cardiovascular outcomes. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Abbasi Shaheed hospital among adults diagnosed with T2DM. Participants were categorized according to empagliflozin exposure, including current users and non-users or patients receiving alternative glucose-lowering therapies. Data were collected regarding demographic characteristics, duration of diabetes, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), treatment history, comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors. Retinal outcomes were assessed through documented ophthalmological examinations including diabetic retinopathy severity and the presence of diabetic macular edema. ENT assessment focused on hearing impairment, tinnitus, recurrent otitis externa, sinonasal symptoms and other documented otorhinolaryngological manifestations. Cardiovascular history included ischemic heart disease, heart failure and relevant cardiovascular events. Appropriate comparative and multivariable statistical methods were used with statistical significance established at p<0.05.