What is an SGLT2 medication and what is it used for?

An SGLT2 medication refers to a class of drugs called Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These medications are primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes but have additional benefits for certain cardiovascular and kidney conditions.

How They Work:

• SGLT2 inhibitors block the action of the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys. This protein is responsible for reabsorbing glucose back into the bloodstream.

• By inhibiting SGLT2, these drugs cause the kidneys to excrete excess glucose in the urine, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.

Common SGLT2 Inhibitors:

• Empagliflozin (Jardiance)

• Canagliflozin (Invokana)

• Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)

• Ertugliflozin (Steglatro)

Uses:

Type 2 Diabetes Management:

• Helps reduce blood sugar levels.

• Often prescribed alongside other diabetes medications like metformin.

Heart Failure:

• Certain SGLT2 inhibitors, like empagliflozin and dapagliflozin, are approved to reduce the risk of hospitalization and improve outcomes in people with heart failure, even in those without diabetes.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):

• These drugs can slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce the risk of kidney failure in people with or without diabetes.

Additional Benefits:

• Promote modest weight loss.

• Lower blood pressure.

• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes, in high-risk individuals.

Potential Side Effects:

• Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital yeast infections.

• Dehydration and low blood pressure (especially in people who are already on diuretics).

• Rarely, a condition called euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA), which is a serious but uncommon side effect.