Emerging trends in diabetes : an update on the role of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors

Abstract

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus continues to rise world-wide, highlighting the need for better treatment of this condition. The last few decades have seen the emergence of several new anti-diabetic agents. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are novel oral hypoglycaemic agents that have only recently been added to the local government formulary list. We hereby discuss the mechanism of action of this oral class of agents and highlight their role and indications in clinical practice. This review provides a detailed summary of the available cardiovascular outcome trials and how these recommendations have been included in the most recent international guidelines. Finally we highlight the adverse events and contraindications of this class of agents and discuss possible future roles for SGLT-2 inhibitors.