SGLT-2 Inhibitors

SGLT-2 Inhibitors or Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 are a class of medications primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes, though they also offer benefits for patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease. These drugs work by blocking the SGLT-2 protein in the kidneys, which is responsible for reabsorbing glucose into the bloodstream. By inhibiting this transporter, SGLT-2 inhibitors prevent glucose reabsorption, leading to its excretion in urine and, consequently, lowering blood glucose levels.

The importance of Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 extends beyond blood sugar control. They have been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization due to heart failure, slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, and lower blood pressure. This makes them a critical part of managing diabetes and improving cardiovascular and renal outcomes.

Some of the most commonly prescribed SGLT-2 inhibitors include Empagliflozin (marketed as Jardiance), Dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and Canagliflozin (Invokana). These medications are widely used for type 2 diabetes management, often in combination with other diabetes drugs, and are gaining increasing importance in the treatment of heart failure and kidney disease.