Both empagliflozin and semaglutide increased endothelial progenitor cells after 12 weeks in type 1 diabetes patients, suggesting vascular repair benefits.
83 patientsT1D cohort showing increased endothelial progenitor cells with empagliflozin or semaglutide versus insulin alone
What the researchers found
Both empagliflozin and semaglutide increased endothelial progenitor cells after 12 weeks in well-controlled T1D, suggesting enhanced vascular repair.
Why it matters
Vascular damage is a leading cause of complications in T1D — drugs that boost the body's repair capacity could prevent long-term damage.
The numbers in context
N=83 (empagliflozin 28, semaglutide 29, insulin-only 26); significant EPC increase at 12 weeks in both adjuvant groups; baseline EPCs comparable to healthy controls.
How the study worked
Prospective cohort study using flow cytometry to measure CECs and EPCs at baseline and 12 weeks in 83 T1D patients across 3 groups.
Who was studied
Adults with well-controlled type 1 diabetes
What this study cannot tell us
Small sample sizes per group. Non-randomized design. EPC measurement by flow cytometry has technical variability. Short follow-up.
How to read the evidence
Prospective non-randomized cohort — suggestive evidence for vascular benefit but requires confirmation in randomized trials.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, exploring novel endpoints for metabolic drugs in type 1 diabetes.
The bigger picture
This is among the first evidence of metabolic drug effects on vascular repair markers in T1D, opening a new therapeutic dimension.
Questions still open
- Do increased EPCs translate to reduced cardiovascular events in T1D?
- Which drug — empagliflozin or semaglutide — shows greater vascular benefit long-term?
Common questions
Can SGLT2 or GLP-1 drugs help type 1 diabetes patients?
What are endothelial progenitor cells?
Read the original research
Adjuvant Treatment with Empagliflozin or Semaglutide Increases Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Subjects with Well-Controlled Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.
Current issues in molecular biology, 47(1)
Citation
Preložnik Navodnik, Maja; Reberšek, Katarina; Klinar, Katarina; Janež, Andrej; Podgornik, Helena. (2025). Adjuvant Treatment with Empagliflozin or Semaglutide Increases Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Subjects with Well-Controlled Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.. Current issues in molecular biology, 47(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47010054