Graphical abstract

INTRODUCTION

There are over 463 million people afflicted with diabetes mellitus (DM) worldwide [1], whereas over 26 million have heart failure (HF) [2]. The prevalence of both diseases are expected to increase over time. While each condition is individually associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, they often occur together, complicating management, adversely affecting patient outcomes, and increasing cost of care. The prevalence of diabetes in patients with HF ranges from 25% to 45% and is higher in hospitalized patients (Table 1) [3-17]. Diabetes contributes to disease progression in HF and is associated with worse prognosis, even when guideline recommended HF therapies are utilized [6,7]. The relationship between hyperglycemia and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with diabetes and HF is complex. Data from outcomes trials indicate that HF is a critical outcome in patients with DM and suggest that glucose-lowering medications may influence the risk of HF development and progression. The intensity of, and specific pharmacologic agent chosen for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are critical components of HF management. This review will summarize contemporary data on the outcomes, efficacy, and safety of pharmacological agents in patients with T2DM at risk for HF and those with established disease.

IMPACT OF DIABETES ON HEART FAILURE OUTCOMES

Approximately 25% of HF patients overall and 40% of hospitalized HF patients have DM [3,4,18]. The presence of DM in HF patients is associated with an increased risk of death, hospitalization, and prolonged hospital stay [19,20]. In the Effect of Candesartan for the Management of Patients with Chronic Heart Failure (CHARM) program DM was present in 28.4% of patients and was associated with increased risk of CV death or HF hospitalization in patients with both heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.70 to 2.36) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.44 to 1.77) [21]. For all-cause mortality, the adjusted risk conferred by DM was similar in both HFrEF (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.55; 95% CI, 1.38 to 1.74) and HFpEF (aHR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.51 to 2.26) groups [21].

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and Heart Failure Association (HFA) Long-Term Registry, a multinational cohort of 9,428 outpatients with HF compared outcomes between patients with and without DM. Overall, those with DM (36.5%) had higher cumulative rates of 1-year all-cause death (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.54), CV death (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.66), and HF hospitalization (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.60) [22]. There was a significant and independent association between increasing glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and risk of 1-year survival outcomes [22]. Finally, in a large meta-analysis of 381,725 patients with acute and chronic HF over a median follow-up of 3 years, DM was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.35), CV death (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.49), and hospitalization (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.50) [23]. The impact of DM on mortality and hospitalization was greater in patients with chronic as opposed to acute HF [23].

MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS

Target glycemic control in HF patients

Numerous clinical trials have evaluated the relationship between tight glycemic control and CV end points. While intensive glycemic treatment to achieve low HbA1c targets reduced the long-term risk of microvascular complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, and peripheral neuropathy), it has not been shown to significantly reduce the risk of major adverse CV events [24-27]. Prospective, randomized controlled trials addressing the optimal glycemic targets in HF patients with DM have not been performed. Four large trials that studied the effect of intensive glucose lowering on CV risk enrolled few patients with HF and HF hospitalization was not a primary end point [28-31].

In contrast to epidemiologic evidence demonstrating a linear relationship between elevated HbA1c levels and worse CV outcomes in subjects free of HF at baseline [32], the relationship between HbA1c and outcomes appears more complex in patients with HF [33]. Several studies have demonstrated a Ushaped relationship between HbA1c and mortality, with the lowest risk in patients with HbA1c 7% to 8% [33-36]. A metaanalysis of 37,229 patients followed from 2.3 to 10.1 years found that compared to regular glycemic control, intensive glycemic control in patients with T2DM did not significantly reduce the occurrence of HF events (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.48) while intensive glycemic control with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) increased the risk of HF (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.72) [37].

Current guidelines recommend an HbA1c goal of <7% for most adults but allow for individualization based on patient characteristics and comorbid conditions [38]. A higher goal of <8.0% is recommended for older patients, those with limited life expectancy, advanced macrovascular complications, or extensive comorbid conditions (Table 2) [38].

Choice of glucose lowering agents in patients with HF or at high risk for developing HF

This section reviews data on the glucose-lowering medications by class. CV outcomes of trials of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are summarized in Tables 3-5.

Metformin

Metformin is the preferred initial pharmacologic agent for treating T2DM [39]. Once initiated, metformin should be continued as long as it is tolerated and not contraindicated; other agents are added to metformin as needed [39]. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production and intestinal absorption of glucose, while improving insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization [40]. The advantages of metformin include affordability, associated weight reduction, improved endothelial function, and low risk of hypoglycemia. Although metformin was previously contraindicated in HF due to concerns of lactic acidosis, several studies have shown a survival benefit [41-43]. A retrospective cohort study, using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance database, compared HF hospitalization rates among 41,909 people with T2DM treated with metformin against propensity matched peers that had never received the drug [44]. Metformin use was associated with a reduced adjusted risk of HF hospitalization (aHR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.62) and all-cause mortality (aHR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.75) [44]. A meta-analysis of nine cohort studies including 34,504 patients with DM and HF, metformin was associated with 20% reduction in all-cause mortality compared to control (mostly sulfonylurea therapy) (aOR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.88) [45]. Importantly, in patients with HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <40%), metformin was not associated with an increased risk of mortality or lactic acidosis [45]. Metformin is generally safe to use in patients with HF and T2DM but should be discontinued in patients who present with acute decompensated HF or have estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m².

Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas decrease plasma glucose by stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells [46]. To date there are limited studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of sulfonylureas in patients with T2DM and HF. The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) compared sulfonylureas or insulin to treatment with dietary intervention found no difference in HF events in 3,867 newly diagnosed subjects with diabetes [26]. The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI-2D) trial found no difference between an insulin-providing (sulfonylurea or insulin) or an insulin-sensitizing (metformin or TZD) strategy in 2,368 patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease, of which 141 had a history of HF, at 5.3 years [47]. A retrospective cohort study using the UK general practice research database of 91,521 patients with DM found that compared with metformin, monotherapy with firstor second-generation sulfonylureas was associated with a significant 24% to 61% increased risk for all-cause mortality (P<0.001) and second-generation sulfonylureas with an 18% to 30% increased risk for HF (P=0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) [48]. A retrospective cohort study of 407,145 Veterans Health Administration patients who were initiated on metformin or sulfonylureas found that sulfonylureas were associated with an increased risk of HF hospitalization (aHR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.42) [49]. Finally, the Cardiovascular Outcome Study of Linagliptin versus Glimepiride in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (CAROLINA) trial found no difference in major adverse CV events or HF hospitalizations in 6,033 patients randomized to either linagliptin (DPP-IV inhibitor) or glimepiride (sulfonylurea) [50]. Sulfonylureas increase the risk of hypoglycemia and may increase HF risk in patients with T2DM. Although clinical data is limited, alternative agents with well-established safety profiles may be preferable in patients at high risk for or with established HF.

Insulin

Insulin has paracrine effects and can alter the metabolic milieu of cardiomyocytes resulting in maladaptive remodeling and myocardial dysfunction [51]. Observational studies have suggested greater CV mortality and increased HF prevalence in insulin treated patients with T2DM [52]. Few trials have prospectively evaluated the relationship between insulin treatment and HF outcomes. Such studies are challenging because insulin therapy is typically recommended in addition to other medications or when oral medications fail, both of which are potential confounders to clinical outcomes. A retrospective meta-analysis of 24,012 patients found that insulin was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.87 to 2.19) and hospitalization for HF (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.32 to 1.53) [53]. The Outcome Reduction with Initial Glargine Intervention (ORIGIN) trial which randomized 12,537 patients with DM, impaired glucose tolerance, or impaired fasting glucose to either insulin glargine or therapy without insulin reported a neutral effect on both initial and recurrent HF hospitalizations during a median follow-up of 6.2 years [54]. These findings raise the possibility that previously reported observational studies linking insulin use to HF may have confounded insulin use with other factors linked to poor prognosis (i.e., advanced age, difficult to control T2DM, chronic kidney disease [CKD]). While these results are reassuring as they suggest insulin usage is not irrevocably linked to adverse CV outcomes in patients with HF, additional research is needed to inform guidelines on glucose management in high-risk patients with HF.

Thiazolidinediones

TZDs bind to and activate the nuclear receptor known as peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha, which is responsible for regulating the expression of several metabolic genes. They stimulate insulin sensitivity through increased insulindependent glucose disposal and reduced hepatic glucose output [55]. Both rosiglitazone and pioglitazone are associated with reduced blood pressure, increased fluid retention, and increased risk of HF [56-58]. In the Efficacy of Pioglitazone on Macrovascular Outcomes in Patient with Type 2 Diabetes (PROACTIVE) trial, 5,238 patients with DM and macrovascular disease were randomized to receive pioglitazone or placebo and followed for a mean of 2 years [59]. Pioglitazone resulted in a 16% risk reduction in the secondary endpoint of all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.98). However, compared to placebo pioglitazone was associated with an increased risk of HF (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.80) [56]. The Rosiglitazone Evaluated for Cardiac Outcomes and Regulation of Glycaemia in Diabetes (RECORD) trial found an increased risk of HF death or hospitalization associated with rosiglitazone (HR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.35 to 3.27) [60]. Several large meta-analyses have demonstrated an increased risk of HF and CV mortality with rosiglitazone use [28-30,58]. Due to increased sodium reabsorption, fluid retention, and increased risk for HF exacerbations, use of TZDs as a class is contraindicated in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III–IV HF [31,39].

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists

GLP-1 is a peptide hormone released from the distal ileum and colon after oral nutrient consumption. Following administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists, elevated concentrations of GLP-1 reduce glucose by increasing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, decreasing glucagon secretion, and inducing satiety by delaying gastric emptying [61]. Beneficial secondary effects of decreased appetite include weight loss and improved lipid levels [62]. There are currently six U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists—albiglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide—for the treatment of T2DM. They are typically administered as a subcutaneous injection daily or weekly and can be given alone or in combination with other glucose-lowering agents.

In large randomized controlled trials GLP-1 receptor agonists have had mixed effects, generally demonstrating CV benefits in patients with T2DM but no apparent impact on HF hospitalizations (Table 3). In the Evaluation of Lixisenatide in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ELIXA) trial, lixisenatide did not significantly reduce major adverse CV events in patients with recent history of acute coronary syndrome or unstable angina at a median of 5 years (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.17) [63]. Similarly, the Exenatide Study of Cardiovascular Event Lowering (EXSCEL) trial, weekly exenatide did not reduce CV events or mortality compared to placebo [64]. However, in the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results (LEADER) trial, liraglutide resulted in a 13% risk reduction in CV death, MI, or stroke [65]. In Semaglutide and Cardiovascular outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (SUSTAIN-6), weekly semaglutide resulted in a 24% reduction in major adverse CV events along with a 39% reduction in the incidence of nonfatal stroke [66]. In the Researching Cardiovascular Events with A Weekly Incretin in Diabetes (REWIND) trial, weekly dulaglutide resulted in a 12% reduction in CV events [67]. In the only oral GLP-1 receptor agonist trial, Peptide Innovation for Early Diabetes Treatment (PIONEER-6), max tolerated oral semaglutide was not inferior to placebo at reducing CV events [68]. The baseline prevalence of HF in these studies were relatively low, ranging from 8.6% in REWIND to 23.6% in SUSTAIN-6. Finally, in a large meta-analysis of 111,029 patients, treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists was not associated with an increased risk of HF (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.31 to 1.22) [69].

Although GLP-1 receptor agonists appear to improve cardiac function in animal studies of HF, improvements seen in preclinical trials have not translated into improved CV outcomes in clinical trials [70]. The Functional Impact of GLP-1 for Heart Failure Treatment (FIGHT) trial randomized 300 patients with HFrEF to receive liraglutide or placebo [71]. After 6 months, when compared to placebo liraglutide did not improve post-hospitalization clinical stability or HF readmissions in patients with advanced HF [71]. Finally, a small study of albiglutide in NYHA II–III patients found that albiglutide did not significantly improve LVEF, 6-minute walk test, or myocardial glucose and oxygen use, but did result in a modest improvement in peak oxygen consumption [71]. In the Effect of Liraglutide on Left Ventricular Function (LIVE) trial 241 patients with LVEF ≤45% were randomized to liraglutide or placebo. After 24 weeks, there were no significant differences in LVEF [72]. Furthermore, treatment with liraglutide was associated with a significant increase in heart rate and serious adverse CV events [72].

The effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists are heterogenous and may reduce the risk of major adverse CV events and mortality in the general population of patients with T2DM. While they appear safe to use in patients with HFrEF they have not been shown to reduce HF hospitalizations. There are no data to guide their use in patients with HFpEF.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors

DPP-4 is an enzyme that inactivates GLP-1, which is responsible for insulin stimulation, suppression of glucagon, and delayed gastric emptying (as previously mentioned) [73]. DPP-4 inhibitors inhibit the degradation of GLP-1, therefore effectively improving effects of insulin and insulin sensitivity. DPP-4 inhibition is also thought to mediate beneficial CV effects independent of GLP-1 by inducing endothelial nitric oxide synthase and regulating inflammation [74]. There are currently four FDA-approved DPP-4 inhibitors available for the treatment of T2DM—saxagliptin, alogliptin, sitagliptin, and linagliptin. These drugs do not lead to weight gain, are not associated with hypoglycemia, and can be administered in patients with renal insufficiency. Although DPP-4 inhibitors have not been shown to have a significant effect on CV events, results have been heterogenous and an increased risk of HF hospitalization was found with saxagliptin [75].

The CV safety of DDP-4 inhibitors has been demonstrated in several large clinical trials (Table 4). The Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 53 (SAVOR-TIMI 53) trial found no difference in CV events in patients treated with saxagliptin versus placebo; however, there was a 27% relative risk increase in HF hospitalization [75]. Similarly, the Examination of Cardiovascular Outcomes With Alogliptin Versus Standard of Care (EXAMINE) trial, found similar rates of CV events and a trend towards increased rates of HF hospitalizations (106 vs. 89, P=0.22) in patients treated with alogliptin compared with placebo [76]. The Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin (TECOS) study demonstrated no effect of sitagliptin on CV events or HF hospitalizations [77]. Similarly, the Cardiovascular and Renal Microvascular Outcome Study with Linagliptin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (CARMELINA) trial demonstrated no difference in CV outcomes and, importantly, no increased risk of HF hospitalizations in secondary analysis [78]. While the CAROLINA study had a relatively low prevalence of HF (4.5%) it did not find a significant difference on major adverse CV events or HF hospitalizations in patients treated with linagliptin compared to glimepiride over a median follow up of 6.3 years [50].

Mechanisms for the possible deleterious effect of DDP-IV inhibitors on HF events remain uncertain. One that has been proposed is potentiation of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and indirect activation of the sympathetic nervous system and stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors resulting in cardiomyocyte apoptosis [79]. The first meta-analyses were dominated by the large contribution of the single large SAVOR-TIMI 53 trial [80]. Subsequent trials have not demonstrated an increased HF risk and recent meta-analyses have demonstrated no statistically significant increase in HF risk compared with placebo [81]. Currently, there is no evidence that DPP-IV inhibitors provide a CV benefit in patients with T2DM. In patients with high CV risk, saxagliptin may increase the risk for HF hospitalizations and should be avoided [75]. Overall, DPP-IV inhibitors can be considered as third- or fourth-line agents in patients with HF and T2DM behind metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors

The SGLT2 is a high-capacity, low-affinity transporter expressed almost exclusively in the initial convoluted portion of the proximal tubule of the nephron where it accounts for 90% of glucose reabsorption [82]. SGLT2 inhibition lowers the threshold of saturation, thereby increasing glucose secretion in the urine. Patients with T2DM express significantly higher numbers of SGLTs in the proximal tubule than do healthy individuals [83]. Consequently, glucose reabsorption from glomerular filtrate is greatly increased in these patients. SGLT2 inhibitors lower the threshold for glucose excretion to <200 to 250 mg/100 mL in urine [84]. Since glucosuria diminishes significantly as blood glucose normalizes, the risk of hypoglycemia with SGLT2 inhibitors is low unless they are used concomitantly with insulin or insulin secretagogues [84]. Beyond effects on blood glucose, SGLT2 inhibitors have diuretic and natriuretic effects, impact weight loss, and lower systolic blood pressure [85]. There are currently four FDA approved SGLT2 inhibitors—canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin and ertugliflozin.

There have been several large clinical trials evaluating the CV outcomes of SGLT2 inhibitors (Table 5). The Empagliflozin Cardiovascular Outcome Event Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients (EMPA-REG OUTCOME) trial randomized 7,020 patients with T2DM to empagliflozin or placebo daily [85]. After a median of 3.1 years, treatment with empagliflozin was associated with a 14% relative risk reduction in adverse CV events driven largely by a 35% risk reduction in HF hospitalizations [85]. The CANVAS program, integrated data from two trials involving 10,142 patients with T2DM at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) were randomized to canagliflozin or placebo [86]. After a median of 3.1 years, canagliflozin resulted in a significant 14% risk reduction in CV events (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.97) and 33% risk reduction in HF hospitalizations (HR, 0.67, 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.87) [86]. Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (DECLARE-TIMI 58) randomized 17,160 patients who had or were at risk for CVD to dapagliflozin or placebo. After a median of 4.2 years, treatment with dapagliflozin did not result in a significant difference in major adverse CV events but did result in a 27% risk reduction HF hospitalization (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.88) [87]. The Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) trial randomized 4,401 patients with T2DM and CKD (eGFR 30 to <90 mL/min/1.73 m²) to canagliflozin or placebo [88] was stopped early after a prespecified interim analysis found a 20% reduced risk of adverse CV events (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95), and a 30% reduced risk for HF hospitalization (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80) with canagliflozin [88]. The effects of sotagliflozin (a drug that inhibits SGLT1 as well as SGLT2 activity) were assessed in 1,222 patients with T2DM who were recently hospitalized for worsening HF in the Sotagliflozin in Patients with Diabetes and Recent Worsening Heart Failure (SOLOIST-WHF). Although the trial was stopped prematurely by the sponsor due to lack of funding, sotagliflozin was associated with a significant reduction in the composite end-point of CV death and HF hospitalization (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.85) [89]. Finally, the recently published Evaluation of Ertugliflozin Efficacy and Safety Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (VERTUS-CV) randomized 8,246 patients with T2DM and CVD to receive ertugliflozin or placebo [90]. In secondary analysis, compared to placebo ertugliflozin significantly reduced the risk of first HF hospitalization (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.90) and the composite for total HF hospitalization and CV death (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.96) [91].

A recent meta-analysis of three large clinical trials, including 34,322 patients (60.2% with established CVD), found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduced major adverse CV events by 11% (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.96), and the risk of CV death or hospitalization for HF by 23% (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.84) [92]. Real-world studies, such as Comparative Effectiveness of Cardiovascular Outcomes in New Users of SGLT2 Inhibitors (CVD-REAL) reported that SGLT2 inhibitors, versus other glucose-lowering drugs, result in a 39% risk reduction in HF hospitalization (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.73) and 51% risk reduction in mortality (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.57) [93]. Similarly, the Non-interventional Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Empagliflozin Compared With DPP-4 Inhibitors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in the United States (EM-PRISE) trial found that empagliflozin, compared to sitagliptin, significantly reduced HF hospitalizations (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.91) [94]. These results reinforce the CV benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in practice-based settings.

SGLT2 inhibitors are the first class of glucose-lowering agents demonstrated to reduce the risk of HF hospitalization in patients with T2DM and subsequent trials were designed to assess their effectiveness as a HF therapy, regardless of whether T2DM was present. In the Dapagliflozin in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction (DAPA-HF) trial [8], 4,744 patients without or without T2DM with NYHA Class II–IV HF and ejection fraction ≤40% were randomized to receive dapagliflozin or placebo in addition to recommended HF therapy [8]. After a median of 1.5 years, treatment with dapagliflozin resulted in a 26% risk reduction in HF hospitalization or CV death (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.85). Benefits of dapagliflozin were similar in patients with and without T2DM. The frequency of adverse events related to volume depletion, renal dysfunction, and hypoglycemia did not differ between treatment groups [8]. In the Empagliflozin Outcome Trial in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and a Reduced Ejection Fraction (EMPEROR-Reduced), 3,730 symptomatic HFrEF patients were assigned to received either empagliflozin or placebo, in addition to standard therapy. During a median follow-up of 16 months, the primary outcome of CV death and HF hospitalization was reduced by 25% in the empagliflozin group (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.86) and the effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor was present regardless of the presence or absence of T2DM. A subsequent prespecified meta-analysis of the results from DAPA-HF and EMPEROR-Reduced in which the effects of SGLT2 inhibition on mortality were assessed showed that among 8,474 patients combined from trials, treatment with an SGLT2 inhibitor significantly reduced all-cause and CV mortality [95].

Impaired renal function is common in patients with HF and 32% have CKD as defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m². When present, CKD or worsening renal function is associated with increased mortality [96]. Several studies have examined the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on renal function. In the CREDENCE trial, treatment with canagliflozin was associated with a significant reduction in the primary composite outcome of development of end-stage kidney disease, doubling of serum creatinine level, or death from renal or CV causes (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.82) [88]. In the DAPA-HF trial, compared with placebo treatment with dapagliflozin reduced the rate of decline in eGFR between day 14 and 720 (–2.87 mL/min/1.73 m² vs. –1.09 mL/min/1.72 m², P<0.001) [97]. Similarly, in the EMPEROR-Reduced trial, the rate of decline in eGFR over the duration study was slower in the empagliflozin group than in the placebo group (–0.55 mL/min/1.73 m²/year vs. –2.28 mL/min/1.73 m²/year; 95% CI, 1.10 to 2.37) [98].

The potential mechanisms by which SGLT2 inhibitors improve CV outcomes are undergoing investigation [99]. The early and significant reduction in HF hospitalizations produced by SGLT2 inhibitors suggest that the predominant mechanism may be related to their hemodynamic effects. SGLT2 inhibitors act in the proximal tubule to inhibit Na+ reabsorption resulting in osmotic diuresis, leading to reduced ventricular filling pressure, and cardiac workload [100]. SGLT2 inhibitors may also improve CV function due to a shift in myocardial fuel energetics. Under normal physiological conditions, 70% cardiac energy is derived from mitochondrial oxidation of free fatty acids (FFAs) [101]. In T2DM, as a result of peripheral insulin resistance, FFA oxidation markedly increases resulting in oxidative stress and cardiac lipotoxicity [102]. SGLT2 inhibitors increase hepatic synthesis and decrease the urinary excretion of ketones producing a mild, but persistent, hyperketonemia [103]. Under these conditions, beta-hydroxybutyrate is freely taken up by the heart and kidney and oxidized in preference to FFAs and glucose, producing fuel more efficiently. As noted earlier, sotagliflozin is a combined SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor. The SGLT1 is found in nephrons, heart, skeletal muscle and small intestine, where it is the primary mediator for glucose reabsorption. Additional clinical benefits conferred by the addition of SGLT1 inhibition are uncertain at present, as head-to-head comparison between combined SGLT and SGLT2 inhibition alone have not been performed.

Large scale outcome studies assessing potential benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in HF patients are currently underway. The Empagliflozin Outcome Trial in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (EMPEROR-PRESERVED) trial has been designed to evaluate the effects of empagliflozin versus placebo on clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF and it includes patients with and without T2DM. In addition, the Dapagliflozin Effect on Symptoms and Biomarkers in Patients with Heart Failure (DEFINE-HF) and Dapagliflozin in Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure (PRESERVED-HF), and Empagliflozin Impact on Hemodynamics in Patients with Heart Failure (EMBRACE-HF) trials will evaluate potential mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibition in patients with established HFrEF and HFpEF.

Overall, SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated consistent reductions in CV mortality and HF hospitalizations making them the therapeutic agent of choice in the treatment of T2DM in patients with established HF or at high risk for developing HF. Recent trial results indicating benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors, regardless of whether they have T2DM indicate an important role of these drugs in the management of patients with HFrEF. These benefits, however, should be balanced by their potential risks including hypotension, genital mycotic infections, as well as lower-limb amputation and fractures (seen with canagliflozin only). SGLT2 inhibitors are contraindicated in patients with eGFR <30 mL/min/m².

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between hyperglycemia and CV outcomes in patients with diabetes and HF is complex. Data from CV outcomes trials have underscored that HF is a critical outcome in patients with diabetes and suggest that glucose-lowering medications may influence the risk of HF development and progression. The advent of novel antihyperglycemic agents that can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality due to HF has impacted management choices for patients with T2DM. In particular, the consistent reductions in CV mortality and HF hospitalizations with SGLT2 inhibitors suggest that they should be considered in all patients with T2DM with HF or at high risk for developing HF. Future challenges include whether the SGLT2 inhibitors can improve outcomes in patients with HFpEF and the identification of therapeutic strategies that not only achieve and maintain glycemic control, but also reverse or prevent complications of DM. Given the high prevalence of HF in DM, there is a strong imperative for further therapeutic advances in these areas. The results of ongoing and future clinical trials designed to test the effects of currently available and novel antihyperglycemic agents in HF are eagerly anticipated.

NOTES

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

FUNDING

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Acknowledgements

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About this article

Shen J, Greenberg BH. Diabetes Management in Patients with Heart Failure. Diabetes Metab J. 2021;45(2):158-172.

Received: Dec 15, 2020; Accepted: Feb 25, 2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2020.0296.

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