SGLT2 inhibitors demonstrate a globally reassuring safety profile in type 2 diabetes, with a confirmed higher risk of genital infections but unconfirmed risks for fractures or amputations.
Are SGLT2 inhibitors safe for patients with type 2 diabetes?
SGLT2 inhibitors have a generally reassuring safety profile in patients with type 2 diabetes, though caution is recommended in frail or highly comorbid patients.
Some adverse events pointed out initially have been confirmed, especially a higher risk of genital infections, though not the initial fear of urinary tract infections. A euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis remains exceptional in patients with T2D. Volume depletion is a rare event that may be anticipated. Of note, several severe adverse events that led to warnings by regulatory agencies have not been confirmed in further studies: bone fractures, lower-limb amputations, severe perineal infections, acute renal injury. The safety profile of SGLT2is appears globally reassuring even in special at-risk populations. However, data remain rather scarce in patients with severe comorbidities and in very old or frail people, so that caution use is classically recommended.
André J. Scheen (Sat,) conducted a review in Type 2 diabetes. SGLT2 inhibitors was evaluated on Safety profile and adverse events. SGLT2 inhibitors demonstrate a globally reassuring safety profile in type 2 diabetes, with a confirmed higher risk of genital infections but unconfirmed risks for fractures or amputations.