특집 : Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 (SGLT2) 억제제

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition is a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, independent of insulin secretion and activity. SGLT2 inhibitors have a unique mechanism of action via inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption, which is different from the mechanisms of prior medications. Clinical trials have supported the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in the reduction of HbA1c as monotherapy or add-on therapy with other existing medications, including insulin. In addition to their glucose-lowering effect, SGLT2 inhibitors can significantly reduce blood pressure and body weight. The most concerning side effects are genital and urinary tract infections, especially in females. SGLT2 inhibitors offer a promising potential strategy for diabetes treatment because they can be combined with nearly any existing anti-diabetic medication, cause less hypoglycemia, and possess additional metabolic benefits beyond glucose level reduction. (Korean J Med 2014;87:14-18)