Comparative safety and clinical outcomes of dapagliflozin and empagliflozin among Iraqi patients with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective observational study

Abstract

Objective: To compare one-year clinical changes and documented safety outcomes in Iraqi adults with type 2 diabetes treated with dapagliflozin or empagliflozin. Methodology: This retrospective observational study included 110 patients: 62 receiving dapagliflozin and 48 receiving empagliflozin. Available baseline variables, concomitant glucose-lowering therapy, HbA1c, serum creatinine, eGFR, weight, blood pressure, ejection fraction, and recorded safety events were analyzed. Multivariable models and IPTW sensitivity analysis were used to reduce measured confounding. Results: The groups differed at baseline in sex distribution, hypothyroidism, and systolic blood pressure. After adjustment, weight change was the only clinical outcome that differed significantly; empagliflozin was associated with less weight reduction than dapagliflozin. Other clinical changes and safety outcomes did not show conclusive treatment-group differences. Conclusion: These findings should be interpreted as adjusted real-world associations rather than definitive comparative efficacy or safety evidence.