Salutary contributions in addition to hypoglycemic effects of new antidiabetic sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors

Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in China is increasing significantly in recent decades. According to the results from the diabetes survey of 2010 China Noncommunicable Disease Surveillance Group, the overall prevalence of diabetes was estimated to be 11.6%(about 113.9 millions)in the Chinese adult population. Despite of the various available treatments, there is still a significant number of diabetes mellitus patients that cannot achieve or maintain their glycemic controls. Additionally, several side effects of these therapies have also been observed, including hypoglycemia, weight gain, fluid retention, and gastrointestinal reactions. Sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT-2is)refer to a new type of antidiabetic drug with its unique mechanism. SGLT-2is inhibit glucose reabsorption in kidney through inhibition of SGLT-2 receptors and thereby reduce plasma glucose by enhancing glucosuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition to the efficacy in reducing blood glucose, SGLT-2is also show salutary benefits in lowering the body weight, blood pressure, and the risk of cardiovascular events, which have been confirmed recently, providing a promising therapeutic weapon for type 2 diabetes mellitus. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2016, 32: 261-264) Key words: Diabetes mellitus; Sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors; Salutary benefits