Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors: a growing class of anti-diabetic agents

Eva M Vivian

Article Type

Review

Published

Although several treatment options are available to reduce hyperglycemia, only about half of individuals with diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) achieve recommended glycemic targets. New agents that reduce blood glucose concentrations by novel mechanisms and have acceptable safety profiles are needed to improve glycemic control and reduce complications. This article reviews the evidence from clinical trials and suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors are a promising new treatment option for T2DM.

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Empagliflozin: a new sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Joshua J Neumiller

Article Type

Review

Published

Type 2 diabetes is increasing in prevalence worldwide, and hyperglycemia is often poorly controlled despite a number of therapeutic options.

Unlike previously available agents, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors offer an insulin-independent mechanism for improving blood glucose levels, since they promote urinary glucose excretion by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidney.

In this article, the author discusses empagliflozin and based on available data, it appears that this drug may be a useful option in a range of patients; however, clinical decisions will be better informed by the results of ongoing studies, in particular, a large cardiovascular outcome study (EMPA-REG OUTCOME™).

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Study protocol for a randomized, controlled trial comparing the efficacy of two educational interventions to improve inhalation techniques in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): TIEPOC Study.

José Leiva-Fernández, Francisca Leiva-Fernández, Rubén L Vázquez-Alarcón, Antonio García-Ruiz, Daniel Prados-Torres, Pilar Barnestein-Fonseca

Article Type

Case Report

Published

Up to 75% of patients with COPD do not use a correct inhaler technique. In this article, the authors provide details of a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of two educational interventions aimed at improving inhalation techniques in a cohort of patients in southern Spain.

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The non-anticoagulation costs of atrial fibrillation management: findings from an observational study in NHS Primary Care

George Kassianos, Chris Arden, Simon Hogan, Laura Baldock, Ahmet Fuat

Article Type

Original Research

Published

Atrial fibrillation (AF) management represents a significant burden on the UK NHS. In this article the authors review data from 825 patients in routine UK clinical practice and describe the non-anticoagulation costs associated with AF management. Understanding these costs better may help inform future health care planning and policy development.

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Initial combination therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: considerations for metformin plus linagliptin

Jeffrey Freeman

Article Type

Case Report

Published

In this article the author discusses the implications for clinical practice of the results of a recent Phase III trial. He concludes that initial combination of linagliptin plus metformin which was found to be weight neutral, well tolerated and associated with a low frequency of hypoglycaemia, may have advantages for a large proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly those with a relatively high HbA1c at diagnosis.

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