SGLT-2 inhibitors: A quick guide

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, used initially in the management of diabetes mellitus, have been hailed as new breakthrough drugs in cardiology and nephrology, demonstrating benefits in the treatment of heart failure and kidney disease on top of their already established effectiveness in diabetes management. As their adoption becomes more widespread, health-care professionals look for treatment guidance. This document provides a quick overview of the basic rules governing the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors.

SGLT-2 is a protein responsible for 90% of glucose reabsorption in the kidney. The class of medications known as SGLT-2 inhibitors (also referred to as gliflozins or flozins) modulate this protein and as a result produce the main metabolic effect of inhibition of glucose reabsorption and therefore lowering of blood sugar levels.

Download the guide (PDF, 325 KB; September 26, 2022).

The “Quick Guide to Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) Inhibitors for Glycemic Control, Renal Protection, or Cardiovascular Protection” was developed by experts from McMaster University: Dr Olivia Cook, MD, and Dr Ally P.H. Prebtani, MD (endocrinology section editor and author of the McMaster Textbook); Dr Prebtani received unrestricted financial support from AstraZeneca.

The document is endorsed by the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine.