New diabetes drug showdown: which pill protects senior muscle better?

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: Voluntarily sign the informed consent form, be able to understand the procedures and methods of this study, and be willing to strictly comply with the clinical trial protocol to complete the study. Aged between 60 and 85 years (inclusive) at the time of screening, regardless of gender. Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus according to WHO criteria, and not having used any glucose-lowering medications in the recent 3 months. 7.0% ≤ HbA1c ≤ 11.0% and Fasting Plasma Glucose ≤ 15 mmol/L. Body fat percentage: ≥25% for males, ≥30% for females. Exclusion Criteria: Known or suspected allergy to metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or excipients of the investigational product. History of Type 1 Diabetes or other forms of insulin-dependent diabetes. Acute metabolic complications within the past 6 months, such as ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, or hyperosmolar coma. History of severe or recurrent hypoglycemic episodes. Presence of diabetes insipidus. Unstable thyroid function with treatment doses not stabilized within the past 3 months. History of cardiovascular events within the past 6 months. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension. Presence of clinical symptoms or recurrent urinary tract infections or genital infections. History of osteoporosis, hematological diseases, malignancy, significant gastrointestinal disorders, fluid retention states, hypovolemia, or uncontrolled psychiatric disorders. Systemic corticosteroid therapy for more than 7 days within the past 3 months. History of bariatric surgery within the past 12 months, use of weight-control medications within the past 3 months, or current participation in a weight-loss program not in the maintenance phase. Gastrointestinal surgery that affects absorption within the past 3 months; long-term use of medications directly affecting gastrointestinal motility; or acute stress conditions such as surgery, infection, or hospitalization within the past 3 months. Participation in any other drug clinical trial within the past 3 months. ALT or AST levels \> 3 times the upper limit of normal; Hemoglobin ≤ 100 g/L; Renal impairment, defined as eGFR \< 45 mL/min/1.73 m²; Fasting triglycerides ≥ 5.64 mmol/L. History of diabetic retinopathy. Significantly abnormal 12-lead ECG. Any other condition deemed by the investigator as unsuitable for the subject's participation in this study.