Cardiovascular safety of SGLT2 inhibitors

Abstract

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, also called flozins, are a new group of oral antidiabetic drugs. Due to progressive nature of type 2 diabetes and gradual deterioration of pancreatic beta cell function, achieving good diabetes control still remains a challenge. This stimulates researchers and clinicians to search for new directions in diabetes treatment and to develop optimal antidiabetic therapy. Particularly interesting in this context are (besides incretin-based therapies) SGLT2, because they reduce renal glucose reabsorption and, thereby, increase urinary glucose excretion. Their action is independent from an insulin, both in terms of an insulin secretion and action. Type 2 diabetes remains one of the major cardiovascular risk factors. The most important issue related to this group of drugs is therefore establishing the principles of safe, well-tolerated and effective long-term treatment of patients with vascular complications of various severity, including cardiovascular complications mainly. New antidiabetic drugs should not only improve glycaemic control, but also contribute to the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.