ICJIM
Intercontinental Journal of Internal Medicine

The Intercontinental Journal of Internal Medicine aims to publish issues related to all fields of internal medicine of the highest scientific and clinical value at an international level and accepts articles on these topics.

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Original Article
The effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on volume-related laboratory and metabolic parameters in older adults: a 6-month retrospective study
Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor therapy on volume-related laboratory parameters and vital signs, such as blood pressure and pulse rate, in geriatric patients with type 2 diabetes who have no comorbidities.
Methods: This retrospective study included patients aged 65 years and over who had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes only and were starting SGLT2 inhibitor therapy for the first time. Patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or chronic kidney disease, and those taking diuretics, were excluded from the study. Patients’ hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, electrolyte and uric acid levels, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rates, were recorded prior to SGLT2 inhibitor treatment and at 3 and 6 months into treatment. In the statistical analysis, appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests were used for repeated measurements.
Results: Among 206 patients, 190 received dapagliflozin and 16 empagliflozin. Body weight, body-mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and blood pressure decreased significantly (p<0.001). Renal function markers (urea, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen [BUN]/creatinine ratio) increased, whereas estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decreased. Sodium and albumin levels increased, while uric acid levels decreased (all p<0.001). Significant reductions were observed in glucose and HbA1c levels. Triglycerides (TG) decreased, whereas total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol increased. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell (RBC), and platelet counts increased significantly (p<0.001). Most changes were more pronounced during the first 3 months and then approached a plateau.
Conclusion: The use of SGLT2 inhibitors in geriatric patients without comorbidities has resulted in positive changes in body weight, blood pressure, and hematological parameters, as well as improved glycemic control. In particular, the effects on volume-related parameters highlight the need for close monitoring at the start of treatment in the geriatric population. These findings demonstrate that SGLT2 inhibitors are a safe and effective treatment option in the geriatric population, but that they must be supported by monitoring and follow-up.

Keywords : Aged, diabetes mellitus; type 2, sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors, water-electrolyte balance, uric acid

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Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Non-interventional Researches Ethics Committee of Kırıkkale University (Date: 27.11.2024, Decision No: 2024.11.20).

Informed Consent

This retrospective study used pre-existing anonymized patient data. No additional intervention was performed, and there was no direct patient contact. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee, and the requirement for written informed consent was waived by the ethics committee.

Author Contributions

Concept: AH, AÇ, ZNÖ, AV, ŞÇ; Design: AH, AÇ, ZNÖ, AV, ŞÇ; Control: AH, AÇ, ZNÖ, AV, ŞÇ; Data Collection and/ or Processing: AH; Analysis and/or Interpretation: AH, AÇ, ZNÖ, AV, ŞÇ; Literature Review: AH; Article Writing: AH, AÇ; Critical Review: AH, AÇ.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this study.

Financial Disclosure

The authors received no financial support for the conduct or publication of this research.


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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 4, 2026
Page : 76-83
https://doi.org/10.51271/ICJIM-0082
Article Information
Received : 09 Tem 2026
Accepted : 15 Eyl 2026
Published : 28 Eki 2026
Corresponding Author :

Aykut Hacıömeroğlu: Department of Medical Oncology, Sakarya Research and Training Hospital, Sakarya, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Hacıömeroğlu A, Çifci A, Öztürk ZN, Varlıbaş A, Çırakoğlu Ş. The effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on volume-related laboratory and metabolic parameters in older adults: a 6-month retrospective study. Intercont J Int Med. 2026;4(4):76-83. doi:10.51271/ICJIM-0082

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