Correction of anemia by dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes

Anemia is common in type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly in patients with kidney impairment, and often goes unrecognized. Dapagliflozin treatment increases hemoglobin and serum erythropoietin levels. We investigated the effect of dapagliflozin 10-mg/day on hemoglobin in T2D patients with and without anemia.

Data from 5325 patients from 14 placebo-controlled, dapagliflozin-treatment studies of at least 24-weeks duration were pooled. Dapagliflozin's effects (vs. placebo) on hemoglobin, serum albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), systolic blood pressure, body weight, and safety in patients with and without anemia were evaluated.

At baseline, 13% of all T2D patients and 28% of those with chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) had anemia. Hemoglobin increased continuously to at least week 8 and was sustained throughout 24-weeks follow-up in dapagliflozin-treated patients. Serum albumin increased in dapagliflozin-treated patients at week 4 and remained stable thereafter. Dapagliflozin was well tolerated and corrected anemia in 52% of patients with anemia at baseline (placebo: 26%). Incidences of new-onset anemia were lower in dapagliflozin-treated (2.3%) versus placebo-treated (6.5%) patients.

Treatment with dapagliflozin can correct and prevent anemia in T2D patients. A gradual increase in hemoglobin beyond week 4 may indicate an erythropoiesis-stimulating effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition.