SGLT2 Inhibitors: A New Class of Diabetes Medications |
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Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of diabetic medications indicated only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In conjunction with exercise and a healthy diet, they can improve glycemic control. They have been studied alone and with other medications including metformin, sulfonylureas, pioglitazone, and insulin.
SGLT2 is a protein in humans that facilitates glucose reabsorption in the kidney. SGLT2 inhibitors block the reabsorption of glucose in the kidney, increase glucose excretion, and lower blood glucose levels…. |
| How they work:
SGLT2 is a low-affinity, high capacity glucose transporter located in the proximal tubule in the kidneys. It is responsible for 90% of glucose reabsorption. Inhibition of SGLT2 leads to the decrease in blood glucose due to the increase in renal glucose excretion. The mechanism of action of this new class of drugs also offers further glucose control by allowing increased insulin sensitivity and uptake of glucose in the muscle cells, decreased gluconeogenesis and improved first phase insulin release from the beta cells. It is proposed that in prehistoric times, we developed an elegant system for maximizing energy conservation and storage, due to lack of consistent food supplies. This system included reducing the activity of our neurological endocrine system to slow metabolism and conserve the stored energy in our bodies, as well as a method to increase reabsorption of excess glucose that was removed by the kidneys. Now that the majority of our type 2 patients have an adequate or most likely an over-abundant supply of glucose from the foods we eat this system is no longer necessary for survival and in fact contributes to increased weight and diabetes risk. The first of the defects was addressed in May of 2009 when Cycloset (bromocriptine mesylate rapid release) was approved by the FDA and now with the approval of Invokana (Canagliflozin) we have a medication to address the second half of this problem. Drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitors class include empagliflozin, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, ipragliflozin. At this time canagliflozin is the only drug in this class approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections are the most common side effects associated with canagliflozin with the greatest risk being in female patients and those men who are uncircumcised. There is also an increased desire to urinate and the medication is not indicated in patients with type 1 diabetes, or patients with frequent ketones in their blood or urine, severe renal impairment, end stage renal disease or patients receiving dialysis. Patients should be advised to expect glucose to be in the urine and if they are using urine glucose strips that they will have a positive reading most of the time. David Joffe BSPharm, CDE, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research
Marina Farid, PharmD Candidate, FAMU College of Pharmacy
References:
“Canagliflozin Provided Substantial and Sustained Glycemic Improvements as Monotherapy and in Add-On Combinations in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in Five Phase 3 Studies.” Johnson & Johnson. Jansen Research & Development, 09 June 2012. Web. 02 Apr. 2013. Clarke, Toni. “FDA Approves Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Drug, Canagliflozin.” Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 29 Mar. 2013. Web. 01 Apr. 2013. “Diabetes Treatment, Part 2: Oral Agents for Glycemic Management.” Clinical Diabetes. N.p., Oct. 2007. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. FDA Approves Invokana to Treat Type 2 Diabetes. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013 “Invokana.” INVOKANA™ (Canagliflozin) Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013 Nainggolan, Lisa. “FDA Approves Canagliflozin, a First-in-Class Diabetes Drug.” Medscape Log In. N.p., 29 Mar. 2013. Web. 01 Apr. 2013. Copyright © 2013 Diabetes In Control, Inc. |
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