What are SGLT2 Inhibitors?
New research uncovers the potential benefits and risks of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for adults aged 80 years or older with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- SGLT2 (Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2) inhibitors are a class of medications primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes (T2D).
- T2D, the most common type of diabetes, is a disease that occurs when the blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.
- SGLT2 Inhibitors manage blood sugar by helping kidneys remove extra glucose.
- SGLT2 is a protein in the kidneys that reabsorbs glucose.
- Typically, when glucose in the blood flows through the kidneys, some glucose goes back into the bloodstream.
- SGLT2 inhibitors block that process, so the kidneys don’t reabsorb glucose.
- The use of SGLT2 inhibitors is as follows:
- They also help improve kidney and heart health for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or heart failure.
- They can slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce the risk of needing dialysis.
- SGLT2 inhibitors also lower the risk of heart failure flare-ups.
- Common SGLT2 inhibitors:
- Dapagliflozin
- Empagliflozin
- Canagliflozin
- Ertugliflozin
- Some of the side effects include:
- Higher risk of developing genital and urinary tract infections
- Urinating more frequently
- Flu like symptoms
- Nausea
- Joint pain.
