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Expanding the Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors in T2D Patients Across Clinical Settings
Alessandro Cuttone1, Vittorio Cannavò1, Raouf Mastan Sheik Abdullah1
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.
Abstract:
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are currently recommended in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) to reduce serum glucose levels. Moreover, robust evidence has clearly demonstrated their beneficial cardiovascular and renal effects, making this class of drugs pivotal for the treatment of T2D, especially when complicated by diabetic kidney disease or heart failure. However, several other comorbidities are frequently encountered in T2D patients beyond these long-term diabetes complications, especially in the internal medicine setting. For some of these comorbidities, such as MAFLD and cognitive impairment, the association with diabetes is increasingly recognized, with the hypothesis of a common pathophysiologic background, whereas, for others, a coincident epidemiology linked to the ageing of populations, including that of T2D subjects, may be advocated. In the effort of personalizing T2D treatment, evidence on the potential effects of SGLT2i in these different clinical conditions is accumulating. The purpose of this narrative review is to update current literature on the effects of SGLT2i for the treatment of T2D in different clinical settings beyond glycaemic control, and to elucidate potential molecular mechanisms by which they exert these effects.
Insights
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) offer benefits beyond glucose control in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This review explores their expanding role in managing comorbidities like fatty liver and cognitive issues.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are established for type 2 diabetes (T2D) management, primarily for glycemic control.
- Proven cardiovascular and renal benefits position SGLT2i as crucial in T2D, particularly with kidney disease or heart failure.
- T2D patients frequently present with comorbidities like MAFLD and cognitive impairment, some sharing pathophysiological links with diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on SGLT2i efficacy in T2D beyond glycemic control.
- To explore the potential of SGLT2i in managing various comorbidities in T2D patients.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these broader effects of SGLT2i.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing scientific literature.
- Synthesis of evidence on SGLT2i effects in diverse clinical settings.
- Analysis of proposed molecular pathways involved in SGLT2i action.
Main Results:
- Accumulating evidence suggests SGLT2i may benefit conditions beyond established indications.
- Potential roles in managing MAFLD and cognitive impairment in T2D are under investigation.
- SGLT2i's pleiotropic effects are being explored for personalized T2D treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- SGLT2i demonstrate potential therapeutic applications in T2D patients with various comorbidities.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand and utilize the multifaceted benefits of SGLT2i.
- Personalized treatment approaches incorporating SGLT2i may improve outcomes in complex T2D cases.
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