High Prevalence of Genital Mycotic Infections with Sodium-glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors among Indian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION: Genital mycotic infections are common among patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) induced pharmacological glycosuria increases the risk of these infections (2–3 fold) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The data about incidence of these infections in Indian setting is unclear. AIM: To study the prevalence of genital mycotic infections caused by SGLT2i among Indian patients with T2D. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data of 205 patients with T2D on SGLT2i for more than 1-month duration. Patients with symptoms and/or signs suggestive of genital mycotic infections and who had positive response to antifungal treatment were considered to have infection. Data were collected for a period of 2 months from July to August 2017. RESULTS: Among 205 patients, mean age was 52.4 ± 8.7 years and percentage of females was 52.2%. Among SGLT2i, empagliflozin, canagliflozin and dapagliflozin were prescribed to 50.7%, 30.2% and 19.1% patients, respectively. The mean duration of treatment with SGLT2i was 7.6 ± 5.9 months. At least, one episode of genital mycotic infection occurred in 53 (25.9%) patients and 25 (12.2%) had second episode. Incidence of these infections was marginally higher in females than males with no statistically significant difference (P = ns). There was no significant correlation between age, sex, duration of disease, duration of treatment, glycaemic control, type and dose of SGLT2i used with the incidence of genital mycotic infections (P = ns). The patients who had knowledge of side effects of the drug and observed precautions had significantly lesser incidence of infections (P < 0.001). Majority of the infections were mild in nature and responded well to treatment. CONCLUSION: There is a very high risk of genital mycotic among Indian patients with T2D on SGLT2i. All patients should be educated about the risk of genital mycotic infections when on SGLT2i and precautions needed to minimise the risk.