Comparative Impact of Empagliflozin and Semaglutide on Lipid Profile in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To assess and compare the impact of empagliflozin and semaglutide on lipid profile indicators among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Study design: A cross-sectional study

Place and Duration: Rahbar Medical and Dental College Lahore, from January 2025 to January 2026.

Methodology: A total of 80 patients with T2DM receiving either empagliflozin (n=40) or semaglutide (n=40) for at least six months were selected for the study through non-probability consecutive sampling. Baseline data was collected using a structured proforma. Blood samples in fasting conditionwere obtained for the assessment of lipid profile and glycaemic parameters in both study groups.

Results: Patients receiving semaglutide demonstrated significantly lower total cholesterol (178.6±26.9 vs. 192.4±28.7 mg/dL, p=0.030), LDL-C (104.3±20.5 vs. 118.5±22.1 mg/dL, p=0.004), triglycerides (165.2±31.8 vs. 186.7±34.5 mg/dL, p=0.005), and VLDL-C levels (33.1±6.3 vs. 37.3±6.9 mg/dL, p=0.006) in contrast to empagliflozin group. HDL-C levels were significantly higher among semaglutide users (46.8±8.1 vs. 41.2±7.6 mg/dL, p=0.002). Furthermore, semaglutide-treated patients exhibited lower HbA1c (7.4±0.9% vs. 7.9±1.0%, p=0.021) and fasting blood glucose levels (142.3±25.7 vs. 156.8±28.4 mg/dL, p=0.017).

Conclusion: Semaglutide was associated with a more favorable lipid profile and better glycaemic control compared with empagliflozin among T2DM  diagnosedpatients. These findings support role of semaglutidein providing additional cardiometabolic benefits in diabetic patients with concomitant dyslipidaemia.