What are SGLT2 Inhibitor Drugs?

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors are oral medications used for reducing blood glucose (sugar) in people with type 2 diabetes.

What does SGLT2 stand for and what does it do?

SGLT2 stands for sodium-glucose co-transporter-2. It is a protein in the kidney responsible for absorption of glucose from urine back into the bloodstream. 

SGLT2 Inhibitors Mechanism of Action

SGLT2 inhibitors work in the kidney. They prevent the kidney from reabsorbing glucose and removing excess glucose from urine. They do this by blocking SGLT2 which is a protein in the kidney that is responsible for reabsorbing glucose back into the body. Lowering high blood glucose can help prevent nerve problems, blindness, and kidney damage in people with diabetes. Proper control of blood glucose can also decrease the risk of getting a heart attack or stroke.

SGLT2 Inhibitors Examples  (Brand and Generic Names)

• Invokana (canagliflozin)
• Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
• Jardiance (empagliflozin)

What are the Side Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors?

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, if taken with another blood glucose-lowering agent)
• Frequent urination
• Urinary tract infections
• Yeast infections
• Dehydration
• Increase in cholesterol
• Low blood pressure
• Ketoacidosis (Read about SGLT2 inhibitors and diabetic ketoacidosis)
• Swelling of the nasal passage and the back of the throat

What are Warnings, Precautions, and Contraindications for SGLT2 Inhibitors?

Patients with renal impairment, the elderly, have low systolic blood pressure, or on medication for blood pressure should assess and correct volume status prior to treatment to prevent hypotension.

SGLT2 inhibitors should be stopped if ketoacidosis, metabolic acidosis, or hypersensitivity reactions occur.

SGLT2 inhibitors should not be given to patients who have severe kidney impairment, end-stage kidney disease or are on dialysis.

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