The new agents in Diabetes – when should I take them?

The SGLT-2 Inhibitors have been around for a few years (Empagliflozin, Canagliflozin, Dapaglif lozin). The data on cardiovascular benefits are increasing, but as with all powerful drugs, they cant be used in all patients. They are useful in a type 2 Diabetic, with good renal function (eGFR>45 ml/min/kg), but evidence of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and some albuminuria. Your cardiologist will need to carefully consider if it is worth while in your particular case. Caution is needed as they can cause low blood sugar, ketoacidosis (especially in Type 1 diabetics), dehydration, and genital infections. How do they work? They block the reabsorption of sugar in the kidney – you pass more sugar and water out. Written by Dr Iqbal Malik

The new agents in Diabetes – when should I take them?

The SGLT-2 Inhibitors have been around for a few years (Empagliflozin, Canagliflozin, Dapaglif lozin). The data on cardiovascular benefits are increasing, but as with all powerful drugs, they cant be used in all patients. They are useful in a type 2 Diabetic, with good renal function (eGFR>45 ml/min/kg), but evidence of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and some albuminuria. Your cardiologist will need to carefully consider if it is worth while in your particular case. Caution is needed as they can cause low blood sugar, ketoacidosis (especially in Type 1 diabetics), dehydration, and genital infections.

How do they work? They block the reabsorption of sugar in the kidney – you pass more sugar and water out.

Written by Dr Iqbal Malik


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Cardiology