Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Nephrology Practice: A Narrative Review

Purpose of the review: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are recommended for eligible patients with type 2 diabetes for the secondary prevention of adverse cardiovascular and kidney disease outcomes. Patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease, a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and/or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction should be assessed for the use of these therapies. Sources of information: The sources include published clinical trials with SGLT2is, with a focus on cardiovascular safety studies and kidney protection trials. Methods: Information was gathered via a review of relevant literature and clinical practice guidelines, incorporated with real-life clinical experience. Key findings: Clinicians prescribing these agents must be familiar with the benefits of SGLT2is on cardiovascular and renal endpoints, and with adverse effects of SGLT2is, including mycotic genital infections and diabetic ketoacidosis. Primary care physicians and specialists should know how to adjust antihypertensive, antiglycemic, and diuretic agents. With the results of completed cardiovascular outcome trials and the Canagliflozin and Renal Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes and Nephropathy trial, nephrologists specifically have a unique opportunity to impact the safe, effective, and equitable implementation of SGLT2is into clinical practice. Limitations: Further work is needed in specific patient subgroups, including patients with chronic kidney disease stages IV and V, patients with kidney disease but lower levels of albuminuria, and in patients without diabetes.