Episode 9 - Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

During this segment, Peter Salgo, MD, leads a discussion about the use of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Dr Salgo describes the mechanism of action of SGLT-2 inhibitors and highlights efficacy data for 2 agents approved by the FDA: canagliflozin and dapagliflozin.

Dr Salgo adds that because SGLT-2 inhibitors have been associated with weight loss, they are attractive to patients. However, Yehuda Handelsman, MD, FACP, FACE, FNLA, notes that SGLT-2 inhibitors may not be effective in patients with impaired renal function.

Maria Lopes, MD, MS, states that clinically meaningful weight loss can have an impact on weight-related comorbidities and can enable patients to reach blood pressure goals. Dr Lopes explains that reaching multiple goals, such as weight loss and blood pressure goals, is important in terms of reducing a patient’s risk for cardiovascular disease.

Kari Uusinarkaus, MD, FAAFP, FNLA, further discusses risks that physicians must consider when treating their patients with SGLT-2 inhibitors.