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Saudi Toxicology Journal

Keywords

SGLT2 inhibitors, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, canagliflozin, remogliflozin, sergliflozin.

Document Type

Review Article

Abstract

The kidneys play a vital role in renal glucose reabsorption, with the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) in the proximal renal tubules performing a crucial function in reabsorbing glucose into the bloodstream. SGLT2-selective inhibitors are a new class of oral antidiabetic drugs that enhance glycemic control in diabetic patients by blocking glucose reabsorption. These drugs are primarily developed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review summarizes the latest preclinical and clinical trials on SGLT2 inhibitors. These new oral antidiabetic agents effectively and selectively block SGLT2, leading to a reduction in blood glucose levels and HbA1c in both diabetic animal models and T2DM patients. SGLT2 inhibitors provide several advantages over other oral hypoglycemic agents, including consistent glucose control by avoiding major risks such as hypoglycemia, β-cell dysfunction, and insulin resistance, due to their insulin-independent mechanism. They have also shown promising results in lowering body weight and blood pressure. Preclinical and clinical trials have demonstrated their safety and tolerability, as well as the potential to be combined with other antidiabetic drugs for successful and long-term glycemic management. However, the long-term safety of these medications still requires thorough investigation.

Publisher

Saudi Toxicology Society

DOI

https://doi.org/10.70957/uqu.edu.sa/s.toxicology.s/stj.2025.1.3.6

January 2026

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