1 Department of Medicine, Dr Shingne’s Clinic, Nagpur, India.
2 Department of Medicine, Dr Patel Clinic, Ahmedabad, India.
3 Department of Medicine, Dr Tiwari Clinic, Kushinagar, India.
4 Department of Medicine, Dr Bannikoppa Clinic, Tumkur, India.
5 Department of Medicine, Nova Rajan Clinic, Thane, India.
* Corresponding Author
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2026, 32(01), 347–355
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2026.32.1.2448
Received on 11 August 2026; revised on 29 September 2026; accepted on 01 October 2026
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic global health burden associated with cardiovascular (CV) and renal complications. This study aimed to evaluate real-world efficacy, cardiometabolic outcomes, and long-term outcomes of the empagliflozin + linagliptin add-on therapy to metformin in T2DM patients.
Methods: This questionnaire-based study included physicians from southern India. A 17-item questionnaire assessed efficacy, cardiometabolic outcomes, and the long-term outcome of this combination add-on therapy, focusing on the last 10 patients.
Results: A total of 206 physicians from southern India participated. Physicians reported that 1-2 patients had pre-existing cardiovascular disease (37.86%). Additionally, most patients were previously on dual therapy before switching to this combination (32.04%). A significant reduction (≥1%) in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (47.09%) and improved glycaemic control (46.12%) were observed in most patients within 3 months. Compared with other regimens, this combination was more effective in HbA1c reduction (49.51%). Moderate improvements in postprandial glucose control (50.49%) and insulin sensitivity (42.23%) were also reported. Weight loss (>2 kg) within 3 months (33.50%) and improved blood pressure (32.04%) were observed in some patients. In patients with T2DM and heart failure, 45.63% reported moderate symptom improvement, particularly for lipid profiles. Compared to similar regimens, this add-on therapy provided more or equal CV protection (40.78%). Renal function was monitored more frequently by 37.38% of physicians every 6 months. Moderate reductions were observed in long-term diabetes-related complications (43.69%) and associated hospitalisations (48.06%).
Conclusion: The empagliflozin + linagliptin add-on therapy to metformin was reported to improve glycaemic and cardiometabolic outcomes and reduce long-term diabetes related complications.
Glycaemic efficacy, Cardiometabolic outcomes, Long-term impact, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Therapy.
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Nandkishor Shingne , Vrunda Paresh Patel, Swati Tiwari, Suraibanu Sultansab Bannikoppa and Nova Rajan. EFFECTIVENESS OF EMPAGLIFLOZIN AND LINAGLIPTIN AS ADD-ON THERAPY TO METFORMIN IN TYPE 2 DIABETES: PHYSICIAN INSIGHTS FROM SOUTHERN INDIA. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2026, 32(01), 347–355. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2026.32.1.2448