SGLT-2 Inhibitors Increase Retinal Vein Occlusion Risk in Diabetics, Study Finds

SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with an increased risk of RVO when compared with other glucose lowering drugs.;

Published On 2021-07-16 03:30 GMT | Update On 2021-07-16 03:31 GMT

Type 2 Diabetes, also called as Adult Onset Diabetes, has emerged as a major global health concern over the past few decades. It is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar.

With type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin, or it resists insulin.

Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue and blurred vision. In some cases, there may be no symptoms. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are often prescribed along with metformin for patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Patients with type 2 diabetes are medically compromised and are susceptible to a number of complications. One of the most commonly noted complication is retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO). Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina. With this background, a team of researchers from South Korea, led by Min-Kyung Lee, carried out a study to assess the association between use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) using data from the National Health Insurance Service in South Korea.

It was a Propensity Score Matched Cohort study and involved 47,369 new users of SGLT2 inhibitors and 47,369 users of other glucose-lowering drugs (oGLD). They used a Primary Intention to Treat Analysis and the mean follow up time was 2.57 years. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for RVO. Based on the main outcome, a prespecified subgroup analysis was undertaken.

The study revealed the following findings:

i) During follow-up of 2.57 years, the incidence rate of RVO was 2.19 and 1.79 per 1000 person-years among patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors and oGLD, respectively.

ii) The use of SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with an increased risk of RVO compared with oGLD use (HR 1.264, 95% CI 1.056-1.513).

iii) The Hazards Ratio for RVO was higher in patients aged ≥60 years and those with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2 than in others.

" SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a significantly increased risk of RVO. The elderly and patients with chronic kidney disease were at higher risk for RVO," the research team concluded.

Reference:

Study titled, "128-LB: Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors and Risk of Retinal Vein Occlusion among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study," published in the American Diabetes Association.

DOI: 10.2337/db21-128-LB

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

MD Bureau

Medical Dialogues Bureau consists of a team of passionate medical/scientific writers, led by doctors and healthcare researchers. Our team efforts to bring you updated and timely news about the important happenings of the medical and healthcare sector. Our editorial team can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

3 Out of 5 Liver Cancer Cases Preventable, Says Lancet Commission; Calls for Urgent Focus on Hepatitis, Alcohol, and Obesity

2025-07-30 02:30 GMT

SGLT-2 Inhibitors Increase Retinal Vein Occlusion Risk in Diabetics, Study Finds

SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with an increased risk of RVO when compared with other glucose lowering drugs.;

Similar News

Study compares common type 2 diabetes drugs, finding higher cardiovascular risk for one medication: JAMA

Fatty Liver Index Predicts Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in T2DM Without Cirrhosis: Study

High Body Fat, Not BMI, Linked to Increased Risk of Death and Heart Disease: Study Finds

3 Out of 5 Liver Cancer Cases Preventable, Says Lancet Commission; Calls for Urgent Focus on Hepatitis, Alcohol, and Obesity

Study identifies Urinary EGF as Protective Biomarker Against CKD Progression

GLP-1 Therapies Most Effective for Preoperative Weight Loss in High-BMI Patients: Study

150 Minutes of Weekly Exercise Lowers Mortality Risk in People with Diabetes: Study

Lonely adults may have a higher risk of diabetes, suggests study