Sodium Glucose Co transporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: A New Sword for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The low affinity sodium glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) plays a major role in physiology of glucose reabsorption from proximal part of kidney. Almost all glucose excreted through glomerular filtration, is reabsorbed via SGLT2 until blood glucose level reaches to its threshold value for glucose excretion i.e. ~180mg/dl. Increasing the glucose excretion by inhibiting the SGLT2 is the novel approach for the treatment of diabetes. Safe and normal life of patients having familial renal glucosuria due to SLC5A2 gene mutation is accelerating the development of SGLT2 inhibitors. Weight loss and very low risk of hypoglycemia are the potential benefits of these inhibitors. There are number of molecules in this class under the stage of development. Key Message SGLT2 inhibitors have the potential to be useful as add-on agents in patients taking oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, with a low risk for hypoglycemia and the potential for weight loss. Results of ongoing phase III clinical trials are awaited and the risk-benefit ratio of this new class of drug will decide the place for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus