The potential role of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in the early treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of pharmacologic agents developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Their unique mechanism of action is independent of pancreatic beta-cell function or the degree of insulin resistance, giving these agents the potential for use in combination with any of the existing classes of glucose-lowering agents, including insulin. This makes SGLT2 inhibitors an option for patients with long-standing T2DM, but they also have a promising role for early intervention in T2DM, and that role is explored in this review.

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify relevant English language articles relating to SGLT2 inhibitors, particularly dapagliflozin, canagliflozin and empagliflozin

SUBMITTER: Brunton SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4758393 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature