Sci Rep

SGLT2 inhibitors linked to increased fall risk

May 7, 2025

Study details: This study assessed the association between diabetes medications, specifically SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1RAs, and fall risk in patients with T2DM. An annual fall survey was conducted over up to 5 years on 471 participants with a median age of 64 years, using discrete-time survival analysis to identify fall risk factors.

Results: Researchers found a fall incidence rate of 17.1 per 100 person-years. SGLT2 inhibitor use was an independent risk factor for falls, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.80 (95% CI, 1.10–2.92). GLP-1RAs alone didn't show a statistically significant impact on fall risk (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 0.88–2.84). However, the combined use of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1RAs significantly increased fall risk (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.27–6.56).

Clinical impact: The findings underscore the importance of considering fall risk when prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1RAs to patients with T2DM, particularly those with low lean body mass.

Source:

Suzuki Y, et al. (2025, March 17). Sci Rep. Longitudinal association of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1RAs on falls in persons with type 2 diabetes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40097434/