SGLT2 Inhibitors: Benefits for CKD and Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes

Over the past few decades, multiple glucose lowering therapies have been developed, but until now, no single drug has proven to both decrease cardiovascular mortality and improve renal outcomes. The purpose of this review is to outline the key findings of the recent major outcome clinical trials on SGLT2 inhibitors, review the indications for their use, and improve adoption of these medications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Recent studies have shown a benefit for SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure (HF) and kidney disease both in the presence and absence of T2DM. Additional benefits also include improvements in fluid status, blood pressure, serum uric acid levels, and weight loss. Available data suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors should be used in all eligible patients with HFrEF and/or CKD with albuminuria to decrease progression of CKD, hospitalizations for heart failure, major atherosclerotic cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular death, with and without T2DM.