Glucose Lowering Effect of SGLT2 Inhibitors: A Review of Clinical Studies

Abstract

There are numerous glucose lowering agents in clinical use for type 2 diabetic patients, yet most do not achieve glycemic targets. Recently, inhibitors of the sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) have been developed, which show great potential of being a novel therapeutic option to treat type 2 diabetes. Many researches have turned their attention to the kidney as a target because renal glucose reabsorption is increased in type 2 DM. SGLT2 is a protein transporter that mediates glucose reabsorption from glomerular filtrates. In an insulinindependent manner, inhibition of SGLT2 increases urinary glucose excretion and decreases plasma glucose levels. To date, there are a few SGLT2 inhibiting agents being clinically studied both as a monotherapy and in combination with other antidiabetic agents. This review will focus on the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors based on clinical studies.