Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors for the management of type 2 diabetes.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nSodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 2 inhibitors reduce glucose reabsorption in the kidney, increase glucosuria and improve glycemia. Besides glycemic efficacy, the class also lowers risk of cardiovascular and renal disease.\n\n\nAREAS COVERED\nThe authors describe late phase trials of empagliflozin, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and ertugliflozin. Safety and efficacy endpoints in monotherapy, combination therapy, cardiovascular and renal outcomes trials have been identified and presented.\n\n\nEXPERT OPINION\nSGLT2 inhibitors appear to be safe and effective agents that improve glycemia when used alone or in combination with any other approved antihyperglycemic medications. Other beneficial effects include reductions in body weight and blood pressure, improvements in renal outcomes, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and worsening heart failure.