In a 120-patient trial, both SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists significantly reduced HbA1c, with GLP-1 drugs showing slightly greater blood sugar improvement.
120 patientsRandomized 24-week comparison of SGLT2 inhibitors vs. GLP-1/DPP-4 drugs for glycemic control
What the researchers found
Both drug classes reduced HbA1c significantly over 24 weeks, with GLP-1 agonists showing a slight edge in glycemic control.
Why it matters
Head-to-head comparisons between these two leading diabetes drug classes help clinicians choose the best first-line therapy for individual patients.
The numbers in context
N=120 (60 per group); HbA1c reduction: 1.2% vs 1.3% (P=0.456); GLP-1 group lost more weight; both improved SBP and LDL.
How the study worked
Randomized 24-week trial comparing SGLT2 inhibitors vs. GLP-1 agonists in 120 T2DM patients.
Who was studied
Adults with type 2 diabetes
What this study cannot tell us
Small trial (120 patients). The GLP-1 group appears to include DPP-4 inhibitors rather than true GLP-1 RAs, which may confound results.
How to read the evidence
Small randomized trial — provides comparative data but limited by sample size and potential drug class mixing.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, adding to the head-to-head comparison literature for diabetes drug classes.
The bigger picture
As both drug classes become first-line options, comparative data helps personalize diabetes treatment selection.
Questions still open
- Were true GLP-1 agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors analyzed separately?
- How do the two classes compare for cardiovascular outcomes specifically?
Common questions
Which is better for blood sugar: SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 drugs?
Can I take both drug classes together?
Read the original research
Comparative Effect of SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Agonists on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 17(Suppl 4), S3244-S3246
Citation
Prakash, Ved; Gupta, Sangeeta; Singh, Saumya; Rawat, Anurag; Deshpande, Amit Vasant; Podder, Amrit; Jani, Parth. (2025). Comparative Effect of SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Agonists on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 17(Suppl 4), S3244-S3246. https://doi.org/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1334_25