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Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
1School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin (Dr Vivian) eva.vivian@wisc.edu.
Purpose:
The purpose of this review article is to provide guidance to clinicians and diabetes educators regarding the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors as a therapeutic option for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods:
The PubMed database was searched through February 2015 to identify clinical trials and meta-analyses evaluating the use of the SGLT2 inhibitors canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin administered as monotherapy or in combination with other oral antidiabetes drugs or with insulin.
Results:
SGLT2 inhibitors reduce hyperglycemia in an insulin-independent manner by inhibiting the reabsorption of glucose into the systemic circulation by the kidneys. In patients with T2DM, SGLT2 inhibitors provide consistent reductions in glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma and postprandial glucose, body weight, and blood pressure when used as monotherapy or in combination with other oral antidiabetes agents or with insulin. SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with a low risk of hypoglycemia, except when used with agents known to be associated with a higher risk of hypoglycemia, such as sulfonylureas or insulin.
Conclusions:
The unique renal-specific mechanism of action and favorable efficacy and safety profile of SGLT2 inhibitors support consideration of these antidiabetes agents as a treatment option for patients with T2DM.
Insights
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors offer effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These drugs lower blood glucose, weight, and blood pressure with a low risk of hypoglycemia.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management requires effective glucose-lowering strategies.
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors represent a novel class of antidiabetic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide clinical guidance on using SGLT2 inhibitors for T2DM treatment.
- To inform clinicians and diabetes educators about SGLT2 inhibitor therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed database up to February 2015.
- Inclusion of clinical trials and meta-analyses on canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin.
- Evaluation of SGLT2 inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents or insulin.
Main Results:
- SGLT2 inhibitors reduce hyperglycemia via insulin-independent renal glucose reabsorption inhibition.
- Consistent reductions observed in HbA1c, fasting/postprandial glucose, body weight, and blood pressure.
- Low risk of hypoglycemia, except when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin.
Conclusions:
- SGLT2 inhibitors possess a unique, renal-specific mechanism of action.
- Favorable efficacy and safety profiles support their use in T2DM management.
- Consideration of SGLT2 inhibitors as a valuable therapeutic option for T2DM patients.
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