Cardiometabolic Comorbidities in COPD: Focus on Diabetes, GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, SGLT-2 Inhibitors and Antidiabetic Drugs

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Abstract
Background/Objectives: The coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) poses significant clinical challenges due to overlapping mechanisms of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, hypoxia, and metabolic dysregulation. Patients with both conditions face higher risks of exacerbations, prolonged hospitalizations, cardiovascular events, and reduced quality of life. This review aims to summarize current evidence on the pathophysiological interplay between COPD and T2D and to evaluate the impact of lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted to evaluate the pathophysiological links between COPD and T2D, assess the effects of pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions, and highlight key gaps and priorities for future research, with an emphasis on integrated, evidence-based management for this high-risk population. Results: Lifestyle interventions, including smoking cessation and structured physical activity, remain foundational to management. Emerging evidence indicates that antidiabetic therapies, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is), may confer additional pulmonary, metabolic, and cardiovascular benefits. These agents modulate systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial function, and insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing COPD exacerbations, improving lung function, and enhancing survival. Safety concerns, including glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycaemia and hypoxia-related metabolic complications, underscore the need for careful monitoring and individualized therapy COPD patients. Conclusions: Optimal care requires a multidisciplinary, patient-centred approach integrating pulmonology, endocrinology, primary care, nutrition, and rehabilitation, alongside shared decision-making and patient education. Despite promising findings, critical knowledge gaps remain. Large, well-designed randomized controlled trials and standardized definitions are needed to guide personalized therapeutic strategies.

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