SGLT-2 Inhibitor Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes: Pitfalls and Advantages

SGLT-2 inhibitors use for diabetes management in primary care and subspecialty clinics continues to grow though their prescription remains underutilized. One of the obstacles precluding wider use of these agents is providers` fear of causing more likely immediate side effects despite known improvements in morbidity and mortality that are accrued with chronic SGLT-2i prescription. A significant barrier is development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Fortunately, there is a growing body of knowledge of strategies that may help avoid DKA. Further, a novel post-marketing observation reported by several groups over last years including our group shows that SGLT-2i can cause erythrocytosis which can potentially negatively impact CV health. This novel phenomenon is particularly evident in the setting of combined prescription of SGLT-2i and testosterone replacement. This session will summarize newest developments in the field and allow practitioners to become more confident in using SGLT-2i.