SGLT2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes: time to flozinate?

This article outlines the place of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor therapy in type 2 diabetes, while highlighting relevant cautions, contraindications and side-effects, with the aim of supporting safe prescribing and use of SGLT2 inhibitors for glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. After reading this article, the reader should:

SGLT2 inhibitors, sometimes also referred to as ‘gliflozins’ or ‘flozins’ are an established class of medications, which are licensed for the treatment of (Table 1):

The class of SGLT2 inhibitors includes: canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin and ertugliflozin (Joint Formulary Committee, 2022). It is important to note not every drug in the class is licensed for all of the indications listed above. A summary of current UK licenses for these drugs is shown in Table 1. Please note this is current at the time of print and likely to change as trial data is being released rapidly. It is also important to note while drugs may be licensed, they may not have NICE approval for all indications). Please consult the individual summary of product characteristics (SmPC) or local prescribing information for dosing recommendations and specific indications before prescribing SGLT2 inhibitor therapies.