SGLT2 INHIBITORS – IS THE PARADIGM IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS MANAGEMENT CHANGING ?

Abstract

It is already widely recognized that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive chronic disease associated with a high risk of cardiovascular and renal morbidity and mortality. The global importance of the problem is multiplied by the enormous prevalence of T2DM (382 million people in 2013) and its rising incidence worldwide. The existing oral anti-hyperglycemic therapies are generally limited due to the progressive nature of T2DM: they are losing efficacy over time as endogenous insulin secretion decreases. Another unsolved problem is the risk of adverse events associated with some oral therapies and insulin, mainly hypoglycemia and weight gain. Weight gain is a severe complication in T2DM patients (usually already obese), worsening insulin resistance and consequently increasing insulin dosage more and more.