What are SGLT2 inhibitors? Breaking down the diabetes medication that protects your heart and kidneys
July 13, 2026By: Melissa Zalonis
Categories: Diabetes
Key takeaways:
- SGLT2 inhibitors help manage Type 2 diabetes by removing excess glucose through the kidneys.
- These medications can protect heart and kidney health while lowering blood sugar.
- Many people with Type 2 diabetes may benefit from SGLT2 inhibitors, especially those with heart disease, heart failure or chronic kidney disease.
A relatively new group of medications known as sodium-glucose transport protein 2, or SGLT2 inhibitors, are changing the way Type 2 diabetes is treated. Instead of focusing only on lowering blood sugar, these medications can help protect the heart and kidneys while improving overall health.
For people living with Type 2 diabetes, that's important because managing diabetes isn't just about today's blood sugar reading. It's about reducing the risk of complications and protecting long-term health.
Here's what you need to know.
What are SGLT2 inhibitors?
SGLT2 inhibitors, such as empagliflozin, dapagliflozin and canagliflozin, work differently from many older diabetes drugs to lower blood glucose levels.
Normally, your kidneys filter glucose from your blood and then reabsorb most of it back into your body. SGLT2 inhibitors block that reabsorption process, allowing excess glucose to leave the body through urine instead.
Who may benefit from SGLT2 inhibitors?
SGLT2 inhibitors are most commonly prescribed for adults with Type 2 diabetes, particularly those who also have:
-
Heart disease
- Heart failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Excess weight or obesity
-
A need for additional blood sugar control
In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe these medications to people with heart failure or kidney disease, even if they don't have diabetes, because of the protective benefits they provide.
Why are kidneys so important in managing diabetes?
When most people think about diabetes, they think about blood sugar. But diabetes affects the entire body.
Over time, high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, making it harder for them to filter waste and fluid. In fact, diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease.
Because the kidneys play such an important role in regulating blood sugar, researchers began looking for ways to use the kidneys as part of diabetes treatment. That's where SGLT2 inhibitors come in.
How do SGLT2 inhibitors help the kidneys?
By helping the kidneys remove excess glucose and sodium from the body, SGLT2 inhibitors reduce some of the stress placed on these vital organs.
Research has shown that these medications can slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and support long-term kidney health. While kidney function may temporarily decrease when treatment begins, studies show these medications can help keep kidneys healthier over time.
What do the heart and diabetes have in common?
People with Type 2 diabetes are at significantly higher risk for heart disease and heart failure.
In fact, cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of illness and death among people with diabetes. Researchers have found that diabetes affects blood vessels, increases inflammation and places additional strain on the heart.
Because of this connection, healthcare providers now look beyond blood sugar when choosing diabetes treatments.
How do SGLT2 inhibitors help the heart?
One of the biggest surprises in diabetes research has been the effect SGLT2 inhibitors have on heart health.
Studies have shown these medications can reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and improve heart health in people with Type 2 diabetes. Researchers believe this happens because the medications help the body get rid of excess fluid and sodium, which reduces strain on the heart.
For many patients, the heart-health benefits are just as important as their ability to lower blood sugar.
Are there side effects?
Like any medication, SGLT2 inhibitors can cause side effects.
The most common include:
- Increased urination
- Genital yeast infections
- Urinary tract infections in some patients
- Dehydration if fluid intake is inadequate
Rarely, more serious complications can occur. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks based on your health history.
If you have Type 2 diabetes, talk with your healthcare provider about whether an SGLT2 inhibitor may be right for you.
