Dapagliflozin: an emerging treatment option in type 2 diabetes

The global incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing. Hyperglycemia contributes to both the complications associated with diabetes mellitus and progression of the underlying disease. New agents that lower blood glucose levels are therefore needed to help slow disease progression and reduce disease complications. The sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) reabsorbs glucose in the kidney. Inhibition of SGLT2 by new agents, such as dapagliflozin, has the potential to reduce hyperglycemia by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidney. Preclinical trials demonstrated that dapagliflozin is a potent and selective inhibitor of SGLT2. It has shown linear pharmacokinetics over the dose range of 2.5 - 500 mg/day, is not significantly influenced when taken with food and is primarily eliminated via urinary excretion. Clinical trials have shown that dapagliflozin treatment induces glucosuria and improves glycemic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. Inhibition of SGLT2 is a new and promising approach to treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. This article reviews the role of dapagliflozin as an emerging treatment option in type 2 diabetes.