What it means
SGLT2 is a transporter in the kidneys that pulls sugar back into the blood. Blocking it lets some sugar leave in the urine, which lowers blood sugar and carries away some calories each day.
Drugs in the class include canagliflozin (Invokana, the first approved, in 2013), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), empagliflozin (Jardiance) and ertugliflozin. Some now have label uses for heart failure and chronic kidney disease, including in people without diabetes.
Average weight loss is modest, often a few pounds, partly from fluid. They are not approved for weight management.
Known risks include genital yeast infections, urinary infections, dehydration and a rare form of ketoacidosis that can happen with near-normal blood sugar. Labels advise stopping them for a few days before planned surgery. They are sometimes prescribed alongside a GLP-1 medicine for heart or kidney protection.
Why it matters
Many people on GLP-1 medicines also take an SGLT2 inhibitor, and both can add to dehydration risk when you are eating and drinking less.
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