A recent study reveals that older adults with type 2 diabetes may experience slower frailty progression when treated with specific diabetes medications. Those starting on sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, such as empagliflozin (Jardiance) and dapagliflozin (Farxiga), or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide (Ozempic) and liraglutide (Victoza), showed significantly reduced signs of frailty compared to patients using other diabetes therapies.
The study, titled “Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists, and Frailty Progression in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes,” was published in Diabetes Care in March 2025. Researchers focused on older adults who had just begun treatment with various diabetes medications, following their progress for one year. The results indicated that those on SGLT-2 inhibitors or GLP-1 medications were less likely to exhibit signs of frailty, which can include weakness, slowed movement, and fatigue.
According to the analysis, individuals using GLP-1 receptor agonists experienced a mean change in the claims-based frailty index (CFI) of –0.007 (95% CI: –0.011 to –0.004). Those on SGLT-2 inhibitors saw a mean change of –0.005 (95% CI: –0.008 to –0.002). In contrast, users of sulfonylureas showed no significant difference in frailty progression. These findings suggest that the benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists extend beyond cardiovascular health and blood sugar control, directly influencing frailty.
The study’s authors analyzed a national sample of 7% of U.S. Medicare claims to obtain these findings. Previous research indicates that approximately 10%–15% of adults over age 65 experience frailty, with even higher rates among those with type 2 diabetes. Chronic inflammation, muscle loss, and cardiovascular disease contribute to the increased risk for this demographic. Frailty is associated with significant health concerns, including falls, disability, hospitalization, and reduced lifespan.
As frailty can be challenging to reverse, slowing its progression is an essential goal in geriatric care. The insights from this study highlight the potential for changing treatment approaches for older adults with diabetes.
“While SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists are primarily prescribed for blood sugar control and heart protection, our findings show they may also help older adults with diabetes stay stronger and less vulnerable to health setbacks,” noted Chanmi Park, MD, MPH, Assistant Scientist I at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife.
These revelations could significantly influence how clinicians consider medication options for aging patients. By prioritizing treatments that may help maintain strength and independence, healthcare providers can enhance the quality of life for older adults managing diabetes.
The implications of this research are profound, suggesting that common diabetes medications could play a crucial role in addressing frailty, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for older patients.
