Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors: novel oral antidiabetic drugs

Abstract

Introduction. Due to rising diabetes mellitus morbidity and inadequate glycemic control new therapeutic agents, targeting on different metabolic pathways, need to be developed.

Materials and methods. Gained renal glucose reuptake in patients with diabetes mellitus is one of the target.

Results. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are able to affect this mechanism. SGLT2 localized in proximal renal tube are responsible for reuptake of 90% of glucose from the urine.

Conclusions. Inhibition of this transporting system induces glucosuria and decreases blood glucose level. Additionally SGLT2 inhibitors lead to body mass reduction and lower blood pressure. Most frequent adverse effects are genitourinary infections, particularly fungal. Long-term follow-up of patients with familial renal glucosuria (FRG), caused by genetic defect of SGLT2, has not revealed major abnormalities due to prolonged glucosuria.