Diabetic Medicine That Makes You Pee Out Sugar
Diabetes, a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide, is characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. This occurs either because the body does not produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or because the body is resistant to insulin (type 2 diabetes). In either case, excess sugar in the blood can lead to serious complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart disease.
Fortunately, there are several medications available that can help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. One such medication is called a "sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor." These drugs work by blocking a protein in the kidneys that reabsorbs glucose from the urine back into the bloodstream. By blocking this protein, the drugs cause glucose to be excreted in the urine, thus lowering blood sugar levels.
What are SGLT2 inhibitors?
SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of medications that are used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, which causes glucose to be excreted in the urine. This leads to a decrease in blood sugar levels.
There are several different SGLT2 inhibitors available on the market, including:
- Canagliflozin (Invokana)
- Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
- Ertugliflozin (Steglatro)
These medications are usually taken once a day, either alone or in combination with other diabetes medications.
How do SGLT2 inhibitors work?
SGLT2 inhibitors work by blocking a protein in the kidneys called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2). This protein is responsible for reabsorbing glucose from the urine back into the bloodstream. By blocking SGLT2, glucose is excreted in the urine, which leads to a decrease in blood sugar levels.
In addition to lowering blood sugar levels, SGLT2 inhibitors also have other beneficial effects. They can help lower blood pressure, reduce body weight, and improve cholesterol levels.
Are there any side effects?
Like all medications, SGLT2 inhibitors can cause side effects. The most common side effect is increased urination, which is caused by the excretion of glucose in the urine. This can lead to dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids while taking these medications.
Other potential side effects include:
- Low blood pressure
- Genital yeast infections
- Urinary tract infections
- In rare cases, a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur. This is more likely to occur in people with type 1 diabetes, but can also occur in people with type 2 diabetes.
If you experience any side effects while taking an SGLT2 inhibitor, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Who should not take SGLT2 inhibitors?
While SGLT2 inhibitors are generally safe and effective for most people with type 2 diabetes, there are some people who should not take them. These include:
- People with type 1 diabetes
- People with severe kidney disease
- People with a history of bladder cancer
- People with a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to SGLT2 inhibitors
If you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor before taking an SGLT2 inhibitor.
Conclusion
SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of medications that can help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. They work by blocking a protein in the kidneys that reabsorbs glucose from the urine back into the bloodstream. By blocking this protein, the drugs cause glucose to be excreted in the urine, thus lowering blood sugar levels. While these medications can be effective, they can also cause side effects and are not suitable for everyone. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about whether an SGLT2 inhibitor is right for you.