Sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors: Mechanisms of action

Abstract

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors are a new class of drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They lower plasma glucose concentrations by increasing renal excretion of glucose. This class of drugs reduces glucose reabsorption in the kidney and lowers plasma glucose independent of changes in insulin concentrations or peripheral insulin resistance. They have a low risk of hypoglycaemia when used as monotherapy. The known adverse effects of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors are related to their mechanism of action. They include an increased risk of dehydration and genital and urinary tract infections because of the increase in urinary glucose.