Turning Glucosuria into a Therapy: Efficacy and Safety with SGLT2 Inhibitors

Hyperglycemia is important in the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications from type 2 diabetes. Although there are many oral therapies available to help ameliorate hyperglycemia, it has been found that the competitive inhibition of the sodium-D-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) in the kidney may be a promising alternative treatment reducing hyperglycemia and potentially helping to lower the risk of diabetes complications. This article reviews clinical trials that have revealed favorable responses to many glycemic and metabolic parameters with SGLT2 inhibition, both as monotherapy and as an adjunct to insulin and oral antidiabetic agents. Additional studies are necessary to further determine the efficacy and long-term safety of SGLT2 inhibitors.