Vascular and Myocardial Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Ischemic Stroke Treated with Dulaglutide or Empagliflozin.

Pavlidis G, Prentza V, Ikonomidis I, Katogiannis K, Kountouri A, Thymis J, Michalopoulou E, Pliouta L, Korakas E, Stefanou MI, Palaiodimou L, Tsivgoulis G, Lambadiari V

Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)25 Jan 2026Cited by 1 (Europe PMC)

PMID41752654PMCIDPMC12941497DOI10.3390/medicina62020254PepBankPUB-41752654

Download PDF PubMedAsk about this study

Jump to 10 results

Summary

Background and Objectives: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and ischemic stroke present with endothelial, vascular and left ventricular (LV) myocardial dysfunction. We investigated the effects of treatment with either glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) or sodium-glucose contrasporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) on endothelial glycocalyx, arterial stiffness, and LV myocardial strain in patients with metformin-treated T2DM and a prior ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: A total of 54 consecutive patients with T2DM and ischemic stroke who attended a cardiometabolic outpatient clinic in Athens, Greece, and received either GLP-1RA (dulaglutide; n = 27) or SGLT-2i (empagliflozin; n = 27) were enrolled in the study. We measured the perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels, a marker of glycocalyx thickness, as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), at baseline and at 4 and 12 months of treatment. Results: Twelve months after treatment, all patients had reduced glycosylated hemoglobin and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001). Patients treated with dulaglutide showed a greater reduction in BMI (-11.8% vs. -4.8%, p < 0.001) compared to those treated with empagliflozin. Compared to baseline, all patients had reduced PBR, PWV and GLS (p < 0.001) after 12 months of treatment. However, empagliflozin presented a greater decrease in PWV (-14% vs. -10.9%, p = 0.041), while dulaglutide resulted in a greater increase in GLS (14.7% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.024) compared to empagliflozin. In all patients, the reduction in PBR at 12 months was correlated with a decrease in PWV and with an increase in GLS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Both dulaglutide and empagliflozin improve cardiovascular function in T2DM patients with ischemic stroke. Dulaglutide appears to be more effective in the improvement of LV myocardial strain, whereas empagliflozin is more effective in reducing arterial stiffness.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study10

3 results from studies that gave the peptide. 3 results from people.

01HumanObservational studyEfficacy outcome
In patients with T2DM and prior stroke, dulaglutide was linked to greater BMI reduction than empagliflozin.
In plain wordsIn patients with diabetes and prior stroke, dulaglutide was linked to greater BMI reduction than empagliflozin.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
DecreaseBMI reduction versus empagliflozin
Study
n = 54
Comparator
Empagliflozin
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 12 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
BMI change
−11.8%
dulaglutide
BMI change
−4.8%
empagliflozin
P value
< 0.001
between treatments
Source sentences
Summary
Patients treated with dulaglutide showed a greater reduction in BMI (-11.8% vs. -4.8%, p < 0.001) compared to those treated with empagliflozin.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A total of 54 consecutive patients with T2DM and ischemic stroke who attended a cardiometabolic outpatient clinic in Athens, Greece, and received either GLP-1RA (dulaglutide; n = 27) or SGLT-2i (empagliflozin; n = 27) were enrolled in the study.
Summary · context
We measured the perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels, a marker of glycocalyx thickness, as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), at baseline and at 4 and 12 months of treatment.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4175265403
02HumanObservational studyEfficacy outcome
In patients with T2DM and prior stroke, dulaglutide was linked to a smaller PWV decrease than empagliflozin.
In plain wordsIn patients with diabetes and prior stroke, dulaglutide was linked to less reduction in arterial pulse wave velocity than empagliflozin.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
IncreasePWV reduction versus empagliflozin
Study
n = 54
Comparator
Empagliflozin
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 12 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
PWV change
−10.9%
dulaglutide
PWV change
−14%
empagliflozin
P value
0.041
between treatments
Source sentences
Summary
However, empagliflozin presented a greater decrease in PWV (-14% vs. -10.9%, p = 0.041)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A total of 54 consecutive patients with T2DM and ischemic stroke who attended a cardiometabolic outpatient clinic in Athens, Greece, and received either GLP-1RA (dulaglutide; n = 27) or SGLT-2i (empagliflozin; n = 27) were enrolled in the study.
Summary · context
We measured the perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels, a marker of glycocalyx thickness, as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), at baseline and at 4 and 12 months of treatment.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4175265407
03HumanObservational studyEfficacy outcome
In patients with T2DM and prior stroke, dulaglutide was linked to greater GLS improvement than empagliflozin.
In plain wordsIn patients with diabetes and prior stroke, dulaglutide was linked to greater heart muscle strain improvement than empagliflozin.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
IncreaseGLS improvement versus empagliflozin
Study
n = 54
Comparator
Empagliflozin
Outcome group
Heart function · Cardiovascular
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 12 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
GLS increase
14.7%
dulaglutide
GLS increase
8.3%
empagliflozin
P value
0.024
between treatments
Source sentences
Summary
while dulaglutide resulted in a greater increase in GLS (14.7% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.024) compared to empagliflozin.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A total of 54 consecutive patients with T2DM and ischemic stroke who attended a cardiometabolic outpatient clinic in Athens, Greece, and received either GLP-1RA (dulaglutide; n = 27) or SGLT-2i (empagliflozin; n = 27) were enrolled in the study.
Summary · context
We measured the perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels, a marker of glycocalyx thickness, as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), at baseline and at 4 and 12 months of treatment.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4175265408

Studies that did not test the peptide alone7

In this study, Dulaglutide (Trulicity) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking Dulaglutide (Trulicity).

04HumanNot a test of Dulaglutide (Trulicity) aloneObservational studyEfficacy outcome
In patients with T2DM and prior stroke, HbA1c decreased in both dulaglutide and empagliflozin groups versus baseline.
In plain wordsIn patients with diabetes and prior stroke, HbA1c fell in both dulaglutide and empagliflozin groups compared with baseline.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
DecreaseHbA1c change in both treatment groups
Study
n = 54
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Source sentences
Summary
Twelve months after treatment, all patients had reduced glycosylated hemoglobin and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A total of 54 consecutive patients with T2DM and ischemic stroke who attended a cardiometabolic outpatient clinic in Athens, Greece, and received either GLP-1RA (dulaglutide; n = 27) or SGLT-2i (empagliflozin; n = 27) were enrolled in the study.
Summary · context
We measured the perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels, a marker of glycocalyx thickness, as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), at baseline and at 4 and 12 months of treatment.
In this study, Dulaglutide (Trulicity) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Dulaglutide (Trulicity).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4175265401
05HumanNot a test of Dulaglutide (Trulicity) aloneObservational studyEfficacy outcome
In patients with T2DM and prior stroke, BMI decreased in both dulaglutide and empagliflozin groups versus baseline.
In plain wordsIn patients with diabetes and prior stroke, BMI fell in both dulaglutide and empagliflozin groups compared with baseline.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
DecreaseBMI change in both treatment groups
Study
n = 54
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Source sentences
Summary
Twelve months after treatment, all patients had reduced glycosylated hemoglobin and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A total of 54 consecutive patients with T2DM and ischemic stroke who attended a cardiometabolic outpatient clinic in Athens, Greece, and received either GLP-1RA (dulaglutide; n = 27) or SGLT-2i (empagliflozin; n = 27) were enrolled in the study.
Summary · context
We measured the perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels, a marker of glycocalyx thickness, as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), at baseline and at 4 and 12 months of treatment.
In this study, Dulaglutide (Trulicity) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Dulaglutide (Trulicity).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4175265402
06HumanNot a test of Dulaglutide (Trulicity) aloneObservational studyEfficacy outcome
In patients with T2DM and prior stroke, PBR decreased in both dulaglutide and empagliflozin groups versus baseline.
In plain wordsIn patients with diabetes and prior stroke, PBR fell in both dulaglutide and empagliflozin groups compared with baseline.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
DecreasePBR change in both groups
Study
n = 54
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
Compared to baseline, all patients had reduced PBR, PWV and GLS (p < 0.001) after 12 months of treatment.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A total of 54 consecutive patients with T2DM and ischemic stroke who attended a cardiometabolic outpatient clinic in Athens, Greece, and received either GLP-1RA (dulaglutide; n = 27) or SGLT-2i (empagliflozin; n = 27) were enrolled in the study.
Summary · context
We measured the perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels, a marker of glycocalyx thickness, as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), at baseline and at 4 and 12 months of treatment.
In this study, Dulaglutide (Trulicity) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Dulaglutide (Trulicity).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4175265404
07HumanNot a test of Dulaglutide (Trulicity) aloneObservational studyEfficacy outcome
In patients with T2DM and prior stroke, PWV decreased in both dulaglutide and empagliflozin groups versus baseline.
In plain wordsIn patients with diabetes and prior stroke, arterial pulse wave velocity fell in both dulaglutide and empagliflozin groups compared with baseline.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
DecreasePWV change in both groups
Study
n = 54
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
Compared to baseline, all patients had reduced PBR, PWV and GLS (p < 0.001) after 12 months of treatment.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A total of 54 consecutive patients with T2DM and ischemic stroke who attended a cardiometabolic outpatient clinic in Athens, Greece, and received either GLP-1RA (dulaglutide; n = 27) or SGLT-2i (empagliflozin; n = 27) were enrolled in the study.
Summary · context
We measured the perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels, a marker of glycocalyx thickness, as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), at baseline and at 4 and 12 months of treatment.
In this study, Dulaglutide (Trulicity) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Dulaglutide (Trulicity).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4175265405
08HumanNot a test of Dulaglutide (Trulicity) aloneObservational studyEfficacy outcome
In patients with T2DM and prior stroke, GLS was reported as reduced in both dulaglutide and empagliflozin groups versus baseline.
In plain wordsIn patients with diabetes and prior stroke, GLS fell in both dulaglutide and empagliflozin groups compared with baseline.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
DecreaseGLS change in both groups
Study
n = 54
Outcome group
Heart function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
Compared to baseline, all patients had reduced PBR, PWV and GLS (p < 0.001) after 12 months of treatment.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A total of 54 consecutive patients with T2DM and ischemic stroke who attended a cardiometabolic outpatient clinic in Athens, Greece, and received either GLP-1RA (dulaglutide; n = 27) or SGLT-2i (empagliflozin; n = 27) were enrolled in the study.
Summary · context
We measured the perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels, a marker of glycocalyx thickness, as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), at baseline and at 4 and 12 months of treatment.
In this study, Dulaglutide (Trulicity) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Dulaglutide (Trulicity).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4175265406
09HumanNot a test of Dulaglutide (Trulicity) aloneObservational studyMechanism
Across dulaglutide and empagliflozin groups with T2DM and prior stroke, PBR reduction correlated with PWV reduction.
In plain wordsIn patients with diabetes and prior stroke receiving either drug, reduced PBR was linked to reduced arterial pulse wave velocity.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
Not applicablePBR association with PWV
Study
n = 54
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
In all patients, the reduction in PBR at 12 months was correlated with a decrease in PWV and with an increase in GLS (p < 0.05).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A total of 54 consecutive patients with T2DM and ischemic stroke who attended a cardiometabolic outpatient clinic in Athens, Greece, and received either GLP-1RA (dulaglutide; n = 27) or SGLT-2i (empagliflozin; n = 27) were enrolled in the study.
Summary · context
We measured the perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels, a marker of glycocalyx thickness, as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), at baseline and at 4 and 12 months of treatment.
In this study, Dulaglutide (Trulicity) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Dulaglutide (Trulicity).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4175265409
10HumanNot a test of Dulaglutide (Trulicity) aloneObservational studyMechanism
Across dulaglutide and empagliflozin groups with T2DM and prior stroke, PBR reduction correlated with GLS increase.
In plain wordsIn patients with diabetes and prior stroke receiving either drug, reduced PBR was linked to increased heart muscle strain.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
Not applicablePBR association with GLS
Study
n = 54
Outcome group
Heart function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
In all patients, the reduction in PBR at 12 months was correlated with a decrease in PWV and with an increase in GLS (p < 0.05).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A total of 54 consecutive patients with T2DM and ischemic stroke who attended a cardiometabolic outpatient clinic in Athens, Greece, and received either GLP-1RA (dulaglutide; n = 27) or SGLT-2i (empagliflozin; n = 27) were enrolled in the study.
Summary · context
We measured the perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels, a marker of glycocalyx thickness, as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), at baseline and at 4 and 12 months of treatment.
In this study, Dulaglutide (Trulicity) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Dulaglutide (Trulicity).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4175265410

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
22 Oct 2026, 02:25 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
21 Oct 2026, 18:59 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.

Vascular and Myocardial Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Ischemic Stroke Treated with Dulaglutide or Empagliflozin.

Summary

Results from this study10

Studies that did not test the peptide alone7

Version history

Subjects

Publication types

MeSH terms

Keywords