New Diabetes Drugs Show Promise in Slowing Frailty in Seniors

A recent study reveals that older adults with type 2 diabetes who begin treatment with specific diabetes medications may experience a slower progression of frailty over one year. The research focuses on two classes of drugs: sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, such as empagliflozin (Jardiance) and dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide (Ozempic) and liraglutide (Victoza).

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. It indicated that these medications could help older adults maintain strength, mobility, and independence, in addition to their known effects on blood sugar and heart health.

Researchers analyzed a national 7% sample of U.S. Medicare claims, following older adults who had recently started different diabetes medications for one year. They discovered that those treated with SGLT-2 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists showed a reduced likelihood of displaying signs of frailty, such as weakness, slowed movement, or fatigue. The findings suggest that these treatments may help diabetic patients preserve their strength and physical function as they age.

Study Results Highlight Significant Benefits

The study’s findings showed notable statistical differences. Participants using GLP-1 receptor agonists exhibited a mean change in the validated claims-based frailty index (CFI) of –0.007 (95% CI: –0.011 to –0.004), while those on SGLT-2 inhibitors experienced a mean change of –0.005 (95% CI: –0.008 to –0.002). In contrast, users of sulfonylureas did not demonstrate any significant differences in frailty progression.

The researchers noted that the cardiovascular or safety events associated with these medications only partially accounted for the observed effects, suggesting a direct benefit of the drugs on frailty itself. Prior research indicates that approximately 10%–15% of adults over the age of 65 experience frailty, with rates rising among those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This condition increases susceptibility to chronic inflammation, muscle loss, cardiovascular disease, and the overall challenges of managing diabetes.

Frailty is linked to serious health risks, including falls, disabilities, and reduced lifespan. Given its difficulty to reverse once established, mitigating frailty progression has become a critical focus within geriatric care.

Implications for Geriatric Care

According to lead author Chanmi Park, MD, MPH, an Assistant Scientist I at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, “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.”

Park emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “Because frailty is common, serious, and hard to reverse, this could meaningfully change how clinicians think about medication choices for aging patients.”

These insights hold particular relevance as healthcare providers seek to optimize treatment plans for older adults with type 2 diabetes. The potential for medications not only to manage glucose levels but also to improve overall well-being presents a promising direction for future diabetic care strategies.

For more details, see Chan Mi Park et al, “Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists, and Frailty Progression in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes,” published in Diabetes Care in 2025.