Role of Selective Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors in Managing Cardio-Renal Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Beyond Glycemic Control

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular complications are the leading causes of death in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Apart from the standard therapy, which includes angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), lipid-lowering medication, and anti-platelet therapy, the new group of drugs termed the 'sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors' have shown promising results in managing complications arising from the cardiovascular and renal systems in diabetics. This article attempts to highlight the role and mechanism of action of this class of drugs. We reviewed 127 articles and analyses of randomized controlled trials using several drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor family (sotagliflozin, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, tofogliflozin) over the past five years, out of which 58 met the criteria and aim of the study. These articles were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline data sources and assessed for quality using the assessment of multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR) checklist and Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Results from the review showed significant benefits in reducing progressive renal decline, blood pressure control, heart failure hospitalization, death from renal or cardiovascular complications, myocardial infarction, and stroke. This benefit is also seen in non-diabetic patients, hence postulating that these effects may not be solely due to glycemic control. There are several mechanisms with which it achieves this benefit with the most significant being its role on intraglomerular pressure. Other pathways include blood pressure control, natriuresis, ventricular remodeling, erythropoiesis, lipid metabolism, plasma volume, and electrolyte imbalance. It is clear that the role of SGLT2 inhibitors isn’t limited to glycemic control and they can achieve a wide array of functions by affecting different systems. More studies need to be done to completely understand this medication to improve the quality of life in diabetic and non-diabetic patients living with CKD and cardiovascular complications. The pharmacokinetics of this drug could also help set the basis for newer medications.