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Efficacy and Safety of SGLT2 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

  • Pharmacologic Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity (D Wexler, Section Editor)
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Abstract

In addition to its central role in the development of microvascular complications, hyperglycemia plays an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by means of glucotoxicity. Thus, effective glycemic control not only reduces the incidence of microvascular complications but also corrects the metabolic abnormalities that contribute to the progression of the disease. Progressive β-cell failure and multiple side effects, including hypoglycemia and weight gain, associated with many current therapies present obstacles to the achievement of optimal and durable glycemic control in subjects with T2DM. Most recently, inhibitors of the renal sodium-glucose cotransporter have been developed to reduce the plasma glucose concentration by producing glucosuria. Because the mechanism of action of these oral antidiabetic agents is independent of β-cell function and tissue sensitivity to insulin, they improve glycemic control while avoiding hypoglycemia and promoting weight loss. In this review, we summarize the available data concerning the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of this novel antidiabetic class of therapeutic agents.

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Disclosure

Conflicts of interest: M.A. Abdul-Ghani:none; L. Norton:none; R.A. DeFronzo: has board membership with Amylin, Takeda, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novo Nordisk, and Bristol-Myers Squibb; has received grant support from Amylin and Takeda, is a member of the Novo Nordisk speakers bureau.

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  1. Division of Diabetes, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA

    Muhammad A. Abdul-Ghani, Luke Norton & Ralph A. DeFronzo

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  1. Muhammad A. Abdul-Ghani
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Correspondence to Muhammad A. Abdul-Ghani.

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Abdul-Ghani, M.A., Norton, L. & DeFronzo, R.A. Efficacy and Safety of SGLT2 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Curr Diab Rep 12, 230–238 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-012-0275-6

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