Endocrinology Network offers up-to-date coverage of SGLT2 inhibitors

UBM Medica US announces that Endocrinology Network, a leading online community for endocrinologists and other clinicians who treat patients with T2DM offers comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of the sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

The most recent studies of this newest class of oral antidiabetes drugs find that in addition to glucose lowering effects, empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin also promote weight loss and reduce blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. A nephroprotective effect has been seen as well. The unique mechanism of action of these drugs and the emerging understanding of their pleiotropic effects will require regular updates in clinical education.

Some highlights of SGLT2 inhibitor coverage include:

• Empagliflozin Lowered BP in Patients with T2DM and Hypertension: An adjusted mean difference in 24-hour blood pressure was seen for measures of both systolic (-3.44 mm Hg) and diastolic (-1.5 mm Hg) blood pressure compared with placebo.
• SGLT2 Inhibitor Lowers Blood Pressure Across Medication Classes: In SGLT2 inhibitor-treated patients with type 2 diabetes who also had treated hypertension, the drop in blood pressure observed was similar for a diuretic, a beta blocker, and a calcium channel blocker.
• SGLT2 Inhibitor Reduces Visceral Adiposity in T2DM: A new study suggests that empagliflozin may help reduce measures of visceral adiposity through a redistribution of fat to less vulnerable body areas.
• SGLT2 Inhibitors: What Role in Nephroprotection? Preliminary evidence suggests that this novel class of drugs may suppress glomerular hyperfiltration, hypoglycemia-related tubular growth, kidney hypertrophy, and other harbingers of diabetic nephropathy.