Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-11 | | Issue-01 | 11-17
Original Research Article
Effect of Dapagliflozin on Albuminuria and HbA1c in Diabetic Patients in Dubai: A Real-World Study
Sajitha Prasad, Pranav S Prasad, Sangeeta Sharma, Amina Saba, Afra Jamal Ibrahim Mohammad Ahli, Adil Maqbool, Hanan Abdalla Hamza
Published : Jan. 6, 2026
Abstract
Background: Albuminuria and poor glycemic control drive kidney and cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes. Dapagliflozin lowers glucose and reduces albuminuria through renal mechanisms. Evidence from trials is strong, yet data from routine care in Dubai are limited. Objective: To evaluate changes in urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and HbA1c over 24 months after dapagliflozin initiation in Dubai primary care. Methods: We performed a retrospective longitudinal study using the Salama electronic record across Dubai Health Authority clinics. Adults with type 2 diabetes who started dapagliflozin contributed measurements at baseline, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. The primary outcome was change in UACR. Secondary outcome was change in HbA1c. Paired comparisons used baseline vs each follow-up. Longitudinal trends used repeated measures analyses. Prespecified subgroups assessed UACR by age group and HbA1c by sex, age and metformin use. Results: Two hundred adults were included. Mean age was 61 years, range 21 to 87 years. UACR fell from 123 mg/g at baseline to 52 mg/g at 24 months, a 57.7% reduction, p<0.001. The decline appeared by 3 months and progressed at each visit. The 24-month UACR was 52 mg/g with 95% CI 50 to 54. HbA1c decreased from 8.2% to 6.8% at 24 months, p<0.001, with 24-month HbA1c 95% CI 6.7 to 6.9. By age subgroup, UACR reduction at 12 months ranged from 25% in patients 40–50 years to 50% in those 70–80 years and at 24 months ranged from 35% to 70%. HbA1c improved across subgroups. Larger absolute HbA1c drops were seen in younger patients and in those treated with metformin at baseline. HbA1c patterns by sex were similar. Conclusion: In Dubai primary care, dapagliflozin was associated with large and sustained reductions in albuminuria and a meaningful fall in HbA1c over 24 months. Early change at 3 months and continued improvement through 2 years support routine monitoring at these intervals. These results suggest that expected renal and glycemic benefits can be achieved in day-to-day care across diverse patients.