English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of mortality due to its complications such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke and end stage renal disease (ESRD). Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter-2 inhibitors is a new class of oral hypoglycaemics which impart additional benefits primarily on heart and kidney. The most commonly used drugs in this class include Canagliflozin, Dapagliflozin and Empagliflozin. However, these drugs are associated with certain adverse effects. This review aims to appraise the extra-glycaemic benefits and adverse effect profile of SGLT-2 inhibitors so as to minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS Thorough literature search was made using search engines like PubMed, Cochrane library, Medline and Google scholar to retrieve articles pertaining to extra glycaemic benefits and adverse effects of SGLT2i. RESULTS Majority of studies like CANVAS, EMPA-REG and DECLARE-TIMI done on Canagliflozin, Empagliflozin and Dapagliflozin respectively have concluded that these drugs possess additional benefits like reduced risk of heart failure, positive effects on kidney functions, favourable effects on body weight, reduced levels of uric acid and reduction in blood pressure. However, these drugs are associated with certain adverse effects like increased risk of genital and urinary tract infection. CONCLUSIONS The extra-glycaemic benefits of SGLT2i on heart, kidney and other parameters like body weight, uric acid and blood pressure have been proven by a number of studies conducted over several years. Nevertheless, these drugs are associated with certain adverse effects like increased risk of genital and urinary tract infection which can be mitigated by maintaining hydration, perineal hygiene and educating the patient. KEYWORDS Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, Canagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin, Extra Glycaemic Effects, Adverse effects