The role of SGLT2 inhibitors in protecting cardiovascular health: beyond glycaemic control

Samar Abed Alharbi; Amal Ahmad Alsubaiei; Ali Hussain Alkhalifah; Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Alshehri; Shoog Soliman Alhaggas; Shahad Marwan Alhuthli; Yousef Hassan Alfaqih; Wed Ziyad Alnajjar; Ghaida Abdulla Alshaban; Mahmood Sameer Ahmed; Abdulkarem Sarhan Alqarni

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250050

Authors

Samar Abed Alharbi Department of Internal Medicine, Al Thager Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, India
Amal Ahmad Alsubaiei University Medical Center, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
Ali Hussain Alkhalifah General Practice, Primary Health Care, Al Ahsa Health Cluster, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Alshehri College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
Shoog Soliman Alhaggas College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
Shahad Marwan Alhuthli Department of Pharmacy, Hala Bin Laden Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Yousef Hassan Alfaqih Department of Internal Medicine, South Qunfudhah Hospital, Al Qunfudhah, Saudi Arabia
Wed Ziyad Alnajjar Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Ghaida Abdulla Alshaban College of Medicine, Jordan University of Sciences and Technology, Ramtha, Jordan
Mahmood Sameer Ahmed Department of Family Medicine, Hicare Medical Center, Muharraq, Bahrain
Abdulkarem Sarhan Alqarni College of Pharmacy, Al Baha University, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250050

Keywords:

Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, Gliflozins, Cardiovascular health, Cardioprotective effects, Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin

Abstract

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, also known as Gliflozins, are a class of anti-diabetic medications initially developed for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM patients are at a significantly higher risk of adverse outcomes, including heart failure, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and renal diseases. Unlike traditional hypoglycemic agents, SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated notable cardiovascular benefits. Four SGLT2 inhibitors-Canagliflozin, Empagliflozin, Ertugliflozin, and Dapagliflozin—are currently approved by regulatory agencies such as the European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain the cardioprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, extending their therapeutic potential beyond glycemic control. The renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors contribute to cardiovascular outcomes, including reductions in albuminuria and slowing of chronic kidney disease progression. This review explores the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular health in diabetic and non-diabetic populations, highlighting their ability to reduce renal and cardiovascular risks. Current evidence underscores their transformative role in managing T2DM and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, these findings pave the way for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies targeting diabetes and cardiovascular comorbidities. Additional research is needed to better understand the potential benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in non-diabetic individuals.

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