Types of medicine
What Is an SGLT2 Inhibitor? Gliflozin Medicines Explained
SGLT2 Inhibitor · say it: es-jee-el-tee-TOO in-HIB-ih-terAlso written: SGLT2 inhibitors, gliflozin, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, flozin
Short answer
An SGLT2 inhibitor is a type of medicine, such as dapagliflozin or empagliflozin, that makes the kidneys pass extra sugar out in the urine.
What it means
SGLT2 inhibitors, sometimes called gliflozins, block a protein in the kidneys (SGLT2) that normally reabsorbs sugar back into the blood. With it blocked, extra sugar leaves the body in the urine, lowering blood sugar. Examples include dapagliflozin, empagliflozin and canagliflozin. Besides type 2 diabetes, some are used for heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
Their labels list several warnings. Because sugar is in the urine, genital yeast infections and urinary infections are more likely. Fluid loss can cause dehydration and dizziness. A rare but serious problem called diabetic ketoacidosis can happen even with fairly normal blood sugar, and a very rare serious infection near the genitals (Fournier's gangrene) is also listed. Labels often advise pausing them before surgery or during serious illness, as directed by your clinician.
A urine test showing glucose is expected on these medicines and does not mean diabetes control has worsened. They are different from GLP-1 receptor agonists and from insulin.
Where you may see it
- SGLT2 inhibitor labels under 'Warnings and Precautions'
- Diabetes, heart failure and kidney clinic letters
- Urine test reports showing glucose
📄 How it looks on a report
Ketoacidosis has been reported in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Assess for ketoacidosis regardless of blood glucose level.
🙅 What it does not mean
- Sugar in the urine on these medicines is expected and is how they work.
- Being listed on the label does not mean ketoacidosis or Fournier's gangrene is likely; they are rare.
- They are not only diabetes medicines; some are used for heart failure and kidney disease.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “SGLT2 Inhibitor”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Dapagliflozin
a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, a type of diabetes medicine
- Empagliflozin
a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, a prescription medicine that works on sugar handling in the kidneys
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “SGLT2 Inhibitor” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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General information about a medical word, not advice about your own results. Ask the clinician who ordered the test what it means for you.