Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2015
Abstract
In the last decade, researchers have gained a greater understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of type 2 diabetes as a chronic and progressive disease. One of the more recent treatment targets is the kidney. The kidneys become maladaptive in diabetes by increasing the reabsorption of glucose above the normal physiologic renal threshold. This discovery has led to the development of the sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2). These agents readjust the renal threshold for glucose reabsorption to a lower level and decrease glucose reabsorption, while increasing urinary glucose when the glucose is above the renal threshold and subsequently lowering plasma glucose. The mechanism of action of the SGLT2 inhibitors is insulin independent, which makes them a novel treatment of diabetes. At the time of preparation of this manuscript, there were three SGLT2 inhibitors available in the US. This manuscript focuses on empagliflozin, the newest SGLT2 inhibitor, the trials in its development, and the clinical data available to date. Further, the authors propose future applications of empagliflozin, including in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, and its potential role in renoprotection.
Recommended Citation
Shubrook, J. H., Bokaie, B. B., & Adkins, S. E. (2015). Empagliflozin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: Evidence to date. Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 9, 5793-5803.
Publisher's Statement
Originally published in Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 9, 5793-5803. Licensed under CC BY-NC. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S69926
Included in
Endocrine System Commons, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Commons, Therapeutics Commons