Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors: An Overview from Evolution to Clinical Implications

The rise in comorbid conditions with type 2 diabetes requires novel drug targets which benefits not only in glycaemic management but provide beneficial effects to other co-existing conditions too. One such drug available in market is the sodium glucose cotransport-2 inhibitor which is known for its pleiotropic effects. Keyword based comprehensive search was made in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. Critical appraisal of all the collected literature was done and the key findings were used. The novel class of oral anti-diabetics act by reducing hyperglycaemia by rising urinary glucose excretion independently of insulin secretion or action. Clinical trials have shown its effects not only in controlling glycaemic levels but other effects such as reducing hypertension, providing cardiovascular benefits and positive renal outcomes too. Despite the positive outcomes, a segment of adverse effects such as lower limb amputations, risk of genital infections has set as drawbacks to bringing the drug into extensive clinical practice. This review provides an overview of the current evidence available so far on the therapeutic potential of the sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and suggests the use of drug into practice to obtain evidences at a large level.