Effects of SGLT2 inhibition via empagliflozin on cognitive and physical impairment in frail diabetic elders with chronic kidney disease

The management of diabetic complications is a rapidly rising health problem. Kidney disease is a typical complication in T2D patients, which increases the risk of adverse events, including cognitive and physical impairment, particularly in frailty. In this scenario, we evaluated the effects of empagliflozin treatment. We observed a favorable action on both cognitive and physical function. Salutary vascular properties have been proposed for SGLT2-inhibitors, and we have previously observed beneficial effects on physical and cognitive function in hypertensive patients, by improving endothelial dysfunction and reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first group exploring the effects of empagliflozin on cognitive and physical impairment in frail older adults with diabetes and CKD, further supporting our view that SGLT2-inhibitors may be considered anti-frailty drugs. Nevertheless, additional studies with larger follow-up and larger sample size are warranted to confirm our data.