SGLT2 Inhibitors and Ketoacidosis: Pathophysiology and Management / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors are antidiabetic drugs that increase urinary glucose excretion by inhibiting proximal tubular reabsorption of glucose in the kidney. Some sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have been shown to afford effective glycemic control and to decrease the risks of major adverse cardiovascular events. However, these drugs may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a rare complication that occurs in less than 0.1% of treated patients with type 2 diabetes. The condition may be euglycemic, and is triggered by controllable precipitating factors such as surgery, infection, and insulin reduction or omission. It is important to understand individual patient profiles and to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis by appropriate prescribing, by withholding sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors when indicated, and by counseling patients on sick day management.