Certain diabetes drugs linked to increased risk of lower limb amputation

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/b-cdd111318.php

Public Release: 14-Nov-2018
Findings expand on current knowledge regarding safety of SGLT2 inhibitors
BMJ

Although the absolute risk increase is small, the findings expand on current knowledge and quantify the risk of serious adverse events potentially linked to this group of drugs, say the researchers.

SGLT2 inhibitors are increasingly popular drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They lower blood glucose levels by increasing glucose loss through the kidneys, but concerns have been raised regarding their safety.

For instance, some studies have suggested that their use may be associated with serious complications, including lower limb amputation, bone fracture, diabetic ketoacidosis, acute kidney injury, serious urinary tract infections, blood clots (venous thromboembolism) and acute pancreatitis.

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use of SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with a two-fold increased risk of both lower limb amputation (2.7 vs 1.1 events per 1000 person years) and diabetic ketoacidosis (1.3 vs 0.6 events per 1000 person years), compared with GLP1 receptor agonists.

But there was no significant risk increase for bone fracture, acute kidney injury, serious urinary tract infection, venous thromboembolism or acute pancreatitis.

Findings remained consistent after further analyses to test the strength of the results.

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