Discover SGLT2 Inhibitors: The Next Generation of Diabetes Medication
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by preventing the reabsorption of glucose from blood that’s filtered through your kidneys, therefore facilitating glucose excretion in the urine. This helps to lower your blood sugar levels. In this article, we will discuss SGLT2 inhibitors in detail and their role in diabetes management.
What are SGLT2 inhibitors?
SGLT2 inhibitors are also known as gliflozins. They are a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four types of SGLT2 inhibitors to treat type 2 diabetes: Invokana (canagliflozin), Farxiga (dapagliflozin), Jardiance (empagliflozin), and Steglatro (ertugliflozin) .
How do SGLT2 inhibitors work?
Sodium-glucose transport proteins (SGLTs) are responsible for reabsorbing glucose back into the blood. SGLT2 inhibitors prevent the reabsorption of glucose from blood that’s filtered through your kidneys, therefore facilitating glucose excretion in the urine. This helps to lower your blood sugar levels .
Benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors
SGLT2 inhibitors have several benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. They can help improve management of blood sugar, reduce the risk of severe cardiovascular complications, lower the risk of kidney disease, reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure, and slow the progression toward end-stage kidney disease .
Potential risks and side effects
SGLT2 inhibitors are generally considered safe. But in some cases, they can cause side effects such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia or low blood sugar .
How to take SGLT2 inhibitors?
The dosage of SGLT2 inhibitors varies depending on the type of medication prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken once a day with or without food .
Interactions
SGLT2 inhibitors may interact with other medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting an SGLT2 inhibitor .
Conclusion
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by preventing the reabsorption of glucose from blood that’s filtered through your kidneys, therefore facilitating glucose excretion in the urine. This helps to lower your blood sugar levels. SGLT2 inhibitors have several benefits for people with type 2 diabetes such as improving management of blood sugar and reducing the risk of severe cardiovascular complications and kidney disease. However, it is important to note that they may cause side effects such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
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