Objective To investigate the effect of dapagliflozin on vascular function and progression of renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods A total of 122 DN patients were randomly divided into control group and observation group, with 61 cases in each group. The control group received conventional treatment, while the observation group received conventional treatment and dapagliflozin. Glycometabolism, vascular function, renal function indicators and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.

Results After treatment, there were no significant differences in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-hour postprandial glucose (2 hPG) between the two groups (P>0.05), but the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The flow-mediated dilation (FMD) for 1 minute at resting state and FMD for 5 minutes at ischemia state were significantly higher in the observation group than those in the control group (P < 0.05); the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and 24-hour urinary sodium level in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the 24-hour urine protein level was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion Dapagliflozin can effectively alleviate vascular function damage and inhibit the progression of renal function damage in DN patients.