Why are SGLT2 inhibitors a good choice in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2) are the most recent addition to the oral management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This chronic progressive disease is linked to cardiovascular and renal disease causing millions of deaths each year worldwide. As oral treatment options have expanded over the years, this has made the management of diabetes mellitus more tailored to individuals taking into account their co-existing comorbidities and therefore slightly more challenging. Several benefits have been reported from SGLT2 including their ability to improve plasma glucose levels, lower blood pressure, weight loss and more importantly their cardiovascular and renal beneficial outcomes making them one of the popular choices for add on to monotherapy in current guidelines. This article looks at why SGLT are likely to be considered sooner for initiation of the management of diabetes compared to other available medication.