Harnessing the Synergy of SGLT2 Inhibitors and Continuous Ketone Monitoring (CKM) in Managing Heart Failure among Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

Healthcare (Basel). 2024 Mar 29;12(7):753. doi: 10.3390/healthcare12070753.

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) management in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is particularly challenging due to its increased prevalence and the associated risks of hospitalization and mortality, driven by diabetic cardiomyopathy. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2-is) offer a promising avenue for treating HF, specifically the preserved ejection fraction variant most common in T1D, but their utility is hampered by the risk of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This review investigates the potential of SGLT2-is in T1D HF management alongside emergent Continuous Ketone Monitoring (CKM) technology as a means to mitigate DKA risk through a comprehensive analysis of clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews. The evidence suggests that SGLT2-is significantly reduce HF hospitalization and enhance cardiovascular outcomes. However, their application in T1D patients remains limited due to DKA concerns. CKM technology emerges as a crucial tool in this context, offering real-time monitoring of ketone levels, which enables the safe incorporation of SGLT2-is into treatment regimes by allowing for early detection and intervention in the development of ketosis. The synergy between SGLT2-is and CKM has the potential to revolutionize HF treatment in T1D, promising improved patient safety, quality of life, and reduced HF-related morbidity and mortality. Future research should aim to employ clinical trials directly assessing this integrated approach, potentially guiding new management protocols for HF in T1D.

Keywords: HFpEF; HFrEF; SGLT2-i; continuous monitoring of ketone levels; diabetic cardiomyopathy; diabetic ketoacidosis; epidemiologic studies; heart failure; hospitalization; ketonemia; patient education; sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors; type 1 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.