Comparing the relative safety and effectiveness of empagliflozin and linagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) using meta-analysis

Introduction: Two drugs that are frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are empagliflozin and linagliptin. Nevertheless, there is still little direct comparison of their safety and efficacy profiles. Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine the safety and effectiveness of linagliptin and empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes. Material and methods: The PRISMA statements were followed in conducting the systematic review. Using particular terms, a search was done across several databases. A set of inclusion and exclusion criteria was used to select the studies. Cochrane RoB2.0 critical evaluation techniques were used to evaluate the included studies. With the aid of RevMan 5.4, both qualitative and quantitative analyses were completed. To identify the effects model that was employed, heterogeneity analysis was performed. A p-value of less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results: Four trials with 420 participants and a low risk of bias were included. When compared to linagliptin, analysis revealed that empagliflozin produced noticeably larger decreases in HbA1c (MD = 0.71%, 95% CI = 0.43–0.99%) and fasting blood glucose (MD = 47.61 mg/dL, 95% CI = 25.57–69.65 mg/dL). Regarding safety, the incidence of urinary tract infections (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.37–1.25) and hypoglycaemia (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.38–1.38) did not differ significantly between the two therapies. Conclusions: In T2DM patients, empagliflozin outperformed linagliptin in terms of glucose control while maintaining a tolerable safety profile.