SGLT-2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes

Two of the core objectives of the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) are to ensure the highest quality of care for people with diabetes and to provide a resource of information; not only for our members but also the wider multidisciplinary team and colleagues providing care for people with diabetes.

The rapid evolution of the SGLT-2 inhibitors in joining the pharmacological armamentarium to help manage hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes is to be celebrated; however, it can pose some clinical conundrums in terms of who to select for this class and how to minimize risks of harm. Over time, there will be increasing clarity as to the best groups of people who will benefit from these medications; even as this goes to the printers there is further emerging data on the benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors and quantification of risk.

We hope that this document will pragmatically support those involved in the day-to-day care of people with type 2 diabetes in the “here and now”, with the aim of maximising the benefits and minimising harm.