22 September, 2026
- Initially licensed for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), large placebo-controlled trials have shown cardiovascular and renal benefits of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
- In addition to their indication in the management of T2DM, the SGLT2 indicators dapagliflozin and empagliflozin are also licensed for the treatment of heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
- SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to be safe, with urinary tract and fungal genital infections among the most commonly reported adverse effects.
- More serious, but less common adverse effects highly unlikely to affect people without diabetes include ketoacidosis, lower limb amputation and Fournier's gangrene.
- 'Sick day guidance' should be provided to all those on SGLT2 inhibitor therapy, including advice that SGLT2 inhibitors should be held if acutely unwell, especially if at risk of dehydration.