Safety and Effectiveness of SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Patients With Heart Failure and Diabetes

Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of developing heart failure (HF) which can lead to increased shortness of breath, reduced ability to exercise and in some cases premature death as the heart becomes less efficient at pumping blood around the body. However the treatment options for such patients remain limited. This study will test the safety and benefits of using a new class of drug, the SGLT2 Inhibitor (Dapagliflozin), in treating HF and diabetes. Participants will have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the heart, to measure the efficiency and the extent of thickening of the heart muscle before they start on treatment of dapagliflozin, or placebo for one year. They will also do exercise testing on an exercise bike (if capable) and a walking test plus fill in some questionnaires on how their heart failure affects their quality of life. Participants will then continue as normal with currently prescribed medication for their diabetes and heart failure. After a year the tests will be repeated to determine if patients receiving Dapagliflozin benefited more than those who weren't on the drug. This study is funded by the European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD)