What Have We Learned so Far From the Use of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Clinical Practice?

Abstract

Since the introduction of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, the aim of this therapy has expanded from being solely a glucose-lowering treatment into also being organ protective even in people without diabetes. In this review, we present this evolution of the treatment principle, from early studies over randomized controlled trials. We discuss available real-world evidence and summarize a number of recent post hoc analyses from the randomized controlled trials with kidney end points. As the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors becomes more widespread, new questions arise regarding initiation and follow-up, which we try to answer by providing the currently available data. For translation of study results to global effects, implementation becomes important. As is often the case, this does not happen without barriers, which must be addressed and handled. Finally, future studies and populations are discussed because it may well be that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition are expanding into further areas.