SGLT2 inhibitors

SGLT2 inhibitors

SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of medicines that lower blood sugar by helping the kidneys remove extra glucose from the body through urine. They work by blocking a specific protein in the kidney that normally reabsorbs glucose back into the bloodstream, so more sugar leaves the body instead of staying in circulation. These drugs are commonly used for people with type 2 diabetes and have the added benefits of lowering body weight and blood pressure in many patients. Research has also shown that they can help protect the heart and kidneys in people at risk of heart failure or kidney disease, so doctors sometimes prescribe them for those reasons too. Common side effects include increased urination and a higher risk of genital or urinary tract infections; rare but serious risks include dehydration and a particular type of diabetic ketoacidosis with only mildly elevated blood sugar. Patients on these medicines are monitored for kidney function, blood pressure, and symptoms of infection or dehydration. They matter because they offer an additional way to control blood sugar and reduce complications, particularly for people with diabetes who also have heart or kidney problems. Deciding to use them involves discussing benefits and risks with a clinician, taking into account other health conditions and medications.