Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and decreased insulin secretion. With its rising global prevalence, effective management strategies are critical to reducing morbidity and mortality. This systematic review compares the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of four major pharmacological treatments for T2DM: sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, metformin, and insulin. We focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published within the last five years (2019-2024) to provide an up-to-date assessment of glycemic control, cardiovascular and renal benefits, weight effects, and the risk of hypoglycemia. The review highlights that while all four medication classes effectively reduce HbA1c levels, SGLT2 inhibitors stand out for their additional cardiovascular and renal benefits, including significant reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease progression. Metformin remains a cornerstone first-line therapy due to its safety, efficacy, and affordability. DPP-4 inhibitors are a weight-neutral, well-tolerated option, although their efficacy may diminish over time. Insulin, while the most potent glucose-lowering agent, carries a higher risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain. Our findings emphasize the importance of personalized, patient-centered approaches that account for the distinct therapeutic profiles of these treatments. Future research should prioritize head-to-head comparisons and optimal therapy sequencing to refine treatment guidelines for diverse patient populations.
Keywords: cardiovascular outcomes; dpp-4 inhibitors; glycemic control; hypoglycemia risk; insulin; metformin; renal protection; sglt2 inhibitors; type 2 diabetes mellitus; weight changes.
Copyright © 2024, Khan et al.