What is the Origin of SGLT2 Inhibitor?

The term is a pharmacological descriptor based on the drug's precise mechanism of action: an 'Inhibitor' of the 'SGLT2' protein. This class of drugs originated from the discovery of phlorizin, a natural compound, which led to the synthesis of more selective and clinically viable molecules. Their introduction has fundamentally shifted the focus of diabetes management toward agents with demonstrated organ protection.

What is the Mechanism of SGLT2 Inhibitor?

SGLT2 inhibitors function by blocking the SGLT2 protein, which is responsible for reabsorbing the vast majority of glucose filtered by the kidney back into the bloodstream. By inhibiting this transporter, the drugs cause a significant increase in urinary glucose excretion, a process known as glucosuria, which effectively lowers plasma glucose levels. This mechanism also promotes a mild osmotic diuresis, contributing to blood pressure reduction and beneficial hemodynamic changes that protect the heart and kidneys.

SGLT2 Inhibitor

Meaning

An SGLT2 Inhibitor is a class of oral medication used primarily in the management of type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. The acronym SGLT2 stands for Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2, a protein found predominantly in the proximal tubules of the kidney. These agents represent a major therapeutic advance by offering an insulin-independent mechanism for glucose lowering and demonstrated cardiorenal protective benefits that extend beyond glycemic control.