SGLT-2 inhibitors-hope or hype? -an updated review

This literature review aims to identify and investigate existing evidence about sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors.

A literature search in PubMed and google scholar (January 1998 to April 2020) was done. Search terms like “(SGLT-2) inhibitors,” “pharmacokinetic,” “efficacy,” “cardiovascular safety,” and all the drug names of this class and its combination were included. Diabetes mellitus has been the silent killer of mankind, Metformin has been the reliable warrior for 62 years since its approval, and remains to be the first-line drug based on their beneficial effects.

In 2015, the American Diabetes Association reported that data on microvascular and macrovascular results were unavailable for almost all the newer antidiabetic agents, which resulted in placing SGLT inhibitors as second-or third-line agents, Ever since, new evidence has emerged, notably for SGLT2 inhibitors, which have inspired and influenced physicians to reconsider their approach towards glucose reduction in type 2 diabetes. Hence a consolidated review on safety and efficacy of the drug is the need of the hour.