Effect of empagliflozin in peripheral diabetic neuropathy of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most dominant cause of neuropathy worldwide, and there has been no specific treatment until now. The aim of the current study was to assess the probable protective effect of empagliflozin in type 2 diabetics who are suffering from DPN.

Methods

Fifty eligible type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases with diabetic peripheral neuropathy were recruited in this study and classified into 2 groups. Group I (n = 25) (control group) received placebo tablets once daily. Group II (n = 25) (empagliflozin group) received empagliflozin 25 mg once daily for three months. Empagliflozin efficacy was evaluated using electrophysiological studies, and HbA1c levels, the brief pain inventory short-form item (BPI-SF) score, the diabetic neuropathy symptom (DNS) score, the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score, and the serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), malondialdehyde (MDA) and calprotectin (Calpro), lipid profile, and random blood glucose level (RBG).

Results

After three months, comparing the results of the empagliflozin arm to the control arm showed a significant improvement in the electrophysiological studies and a significant decrease in the BPI-SF score and the mean serum levels of NSE and MDA. However, no significant difference was determined in HbA1c, Calpro, lipid profile, and RBG levels. In addition, the DNS and ASCVD risk scores were not significantly different. The NSE and MDA levels were significantly negatively correlated with the electrophysiological parameters. However, the BPI-SF score showed a non-significant difference.

Conclusions

Empagliflozin may be a promising neuroprotective and therapeutic agent for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Trial registration Identifier: NCT05977465.