An update on the efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors

Abstract

As a newly developed calss of oral antidiabetic drugs, sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have a unique mechanism of action leading to excretion of glucose in the urine and subsequent lowering of plasma glucose.Evidence from clinical trials has suggested promising efficacy when used as momotherapy or in combination with any other antihyperglycemic medications. Moreover, SGLT-2 had been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, as well as to play a role in renal protection, and reduce body weight and blood pressure except lowering blood glucose. However, physicians should be aware of the rare but dangerous potential adverse effects when treated with SGLT-2 inhibitor, such as urinary tract infection and genital infections, diabetic ketoacidosis, increased risk of leg and foot amputations. Key words: Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Drug therapy