• Weight Management

GLP-1 Agonists vs. SGLT2 Inhibitors

Published: October 21, 2025
Updated: October 22, 2025
4 mins

GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors are two different types of effective medications healthcare providers prescribe to treat type 2 diabetes. However, each medication employs different mechanisms to regulate blood sugar levels and protect your heart health. 

SGLT2 (sodium glucose co-transporter 2) inhibitors treat type 2 diabetes by keeping blood sugar levels from spiking and maintaining normal sodium levels in the body. On the other hand, GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide 1) mimic the GLP-1 hormone in the body to help maintain blood sugar levels, control appetite, and slow down digestion. 

Which medication works best for you depends on several factors. GLP-1 medications are popular medications for weight loss in addition to managing type 2 diabetes. While SGLT2 inhibitors also have weight loss effects, they are still primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes.

Because the medications work slightly differently, a healthcare provider may sometimes pair them together to improve weight loss, reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, and balance blood sugar levels. 

Key Differences Between GLP-1 Agonists and SGLT2 Inhibitors

1. SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists promote weight loss differently.

GLP-1 agonists promote weight loss by mimicking the effects of natural GLP-1 found in the body. GLP-1 is a natural hormone in the gut that works by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas to lower blood sugar levels. It’s also responsible for decreasing appetite and helping the body to feel full longer.

On the other hand, SGLT2 inhibitors help with weight loss by removing glucose in the kidneys. Glucose excretion leads to calorie loss, which can result in moderate weight loss.

2. Each medication is taken differently.

GLP-1 agonists are typically injectable medications, whereas SGLT2 inhibitors are available in pill form. You can inject popular GLP-1 medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) at home. Popular SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance (empagliflozin) are oral medications prescribed for type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Each medication is also available in different dosages.

3. SGLT2 inhibitors are more effective for preventing heart failure.

According to health experts, SGLT2 inhibitors are more effective than GLP-1 agonists at preventing heart failure. They reduce glucose reabsorption in the kidneys and manipulate the SGLT2 protein in the body to help filter out excessive glucose from the body, which can improve blood pressure and support overall heart health.

4. GLP-1 receptors are more effective for preventing stroke.

Studies found that GLP-1s are slightly more effective in preventing stroke than SGLT2 inhibitors. Still, both medications benefit cardiovascular health in those with type 2 diabetes.

5. GLP-1s and SGLT2 inhibitors have different side effects.

As with any medication, it’s possible to experience side effects while taking medication. While both types of medications may cause nausea or constipation, they do have slightly different common side effects.

For example, a person taking an SGLT2 inhibitor is more likely to experience urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, or have to pee frequently. While GLP-1s are more likely to cause an upset stomach and bloating.

6. SGLT2 inhibitors can also be prescribed for kidney disease.

If you have both kidney disease and diabetes, a healthcare provider may prescribe SGLT2 inhibitors instead of GLP-1s. SGLT2 inhibitors are sometimes prescribed to manage chronic kidney disease as well. 

It’s natural for the protein SGLT2 to produce glucose and sodium, but too much of it can lead to kidney disease or type 2 diabetes. SGLT2 inhibitors remove glucose and sodium from the body through the urine to reduce pressure on the kidneys. They also lower blood pressure in small blood vessels in the kidneys.

7. There are generic versions of GLP-1s.

The most popular GLP-1 medications are Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Zepbound (tirzepatide). However, there are generic versions of the medication available for weight loss. Generic versions of medications tend to be more affordable.

Other legally approved generic versions of GLP-1 medications are the injection version of liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda). However, semaglutide and tirzepatide do not yet have FDA-approved generic versions. Generic versions of SGLT2 are also not yet available.

How are GLP-1 Agonists and SGLT2 Inhibitors Similar?

Both GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors can treat type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors can both help keep type 2 diabetes from worsening. Both types of medication can help manage blood sugar and reduce the risk of a heart attack and other cardiovascular complications. Although GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors can promote weight loss, GLP-1s are more likely to promote weight loss.

Those with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease as the condition progresses. While it’s easily manageable, untreated cardiovascular disease can be fatal. A healthcare provider may recommend making changes to lifestyle factors like your diet and exercise in addition to prescribing medication.

Are GLP-1s or SGLT2 Inhibitors Better for Weight Loss?

Those with both chronic obesity and type 2 diabetes may see improvements in their insulin sensitivity with either medication. Chronic obesity can often reduce insulin sensitivity. Both GLP-1s and SGLT2 inhibitors can result in weight loss while stimulating insulin. 

However, GLP-1s promote more weight loss than SGLT2 inhibitors. Studies found that patients saw moderate to low weight loss results with SGLT2 inhibitors.

Can You Take GLP-1s and SGLT Inhibitors at the Same Time?

Some healthcare providers may recommend combining SGLT2 inhibitors with other medications to get similar weight loss results to GLP-1s. When used together, health experts found that the medications may help slow down the progression of diabetes. Together, taking both medications can help further control blood glucose, body weight, and blood pressure.

Where Can I Learn More About Weight Loss?

It’s common for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to also have chronic obesity. If weight loss is an important health goal for you, LifeMD can help. The LifeMD Weight Management Program provides access to breakthrough GLP-1 medications, nutritional support, and guidance from licensed healthcare professionals.

Get started today to jumpstart your weight loss journey.