SGLT2 inhibitors (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors) are a class of medications primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by blocking the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys, which is responsible for reabsorbing glucose from the urine back into the bloodstream. By inhibiting this transporter, SGLT2 inhibitors cause the body to excrete excess glucose through the urine, lowering blood sugar levels.
Beyond their use in diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors have also shown benefits in other conditions such as:
- Heart Failure: They have been found to reduce the risk of heart failure hospitalization, even in people without diabetes.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): SGLT2 inhibitors help protect kidney function by reducing hyperfiltration and proteinuria, thus slowing the progression of CKD.
Common examples of SGLT2 inhibitors include:
- Empagliflozin
- Dapagliflozin
- Canagliflozin
Potential side effects include increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital infections due to the presence of glucose in the urine. There may also be a risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Potency
Canagliflozin > Empagliflozin > Dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin maximum dosage 10 mg
Empagliflozin maximum dosage 25 mg
Canagliflozin maximum dosage 100 mg
5 mg of Dapagliflozin lowers blood sugar by 50 mg or Hba1c by 1%