Which diabetes pill is better for Early-Stage patients? major trial compares dapagliflozin and metformin

NCT ID NCT03982381

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compared two common diabetes drugs—dapagliflozin and metformin—in over 2,000 people with early type 2 diabetes (diagnosed less than 4 years). The goal was to see which drug better prevents serious complications like death, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, eye problems, and foot ulcers. Participants took either dapagliflozin or metformin, and researchers tracked their health using national registries.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

dapagliflozin (a drug that lowers blood sugar by helping the kidneys remove sugar through urine)

What this could lead to

If dapagliflozin works better than metformin, it could become a preferred first treatment for early type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

What could go wrong

This is a completed Phase 4 trial, but it is open-label (patients and doctors know the treatment), which can bias results. Also, the benefit may be small or not apply to all patients with early diabetes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

type 2 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Uppsala University Hospital

    Uppsala, 75185, Sweden