ISGLT2 (Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, etc.) are new drugs that were initially used to treat diabetes mellitus, due to their function of inhibiting the SGLT2 enzyme present in the kidney and whose function is to reuptake glucose when it passes through the renal tubules. Inhibiting this function causes glucosuria (loss of glucose in the urine) and secondarily lowers blood glucose.
However, recently, multiple studies have shown that these drugs have many other benefits, especially at the cardiovascular and renal levels, making this their main current medical indication regardless of whether the patient is diabetic or not.
What benefits do they provide at a cardiovascular level?
- They have been shown to prolong survival and reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and CV death.
- Reduces the risk of admissions and readmissions due to heart failure
- Improves the diuretic response to other diuretics such as Furosemide.
- Reduces the risk of deterioration in renal function (acute renal failure or exacerbations in patients with established chronic renal failure) secondary to medication.
- Improves blood glucose control
Do I need to take any precautions with this drug?
The most common and documented adverse effect is urinary/vaginal infections, a consequence of the increased loss of glucose through urine. However, having good hygiene in the intimate area every day almost always prevents these infections.
You should be monitored by your treating physician (Cardiologist, Nephrologist, Endocrinologist, etc.) from time to time with control tests when being treated with these drugs.
By Dr. Ana Lucía Rivero