Use of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors in Type 1 Diabetics: Are the Benefits Worth the Risks?

Abstract

The mainstay of treatment for type 1 diabetes is insulin. The use of insulin for tight glycemic control is the key to preventing micro- and macrovascular complications, but it can also lead to hypoglycemic episodes. Therefore, there is a need for the introduction of a drug that can maintain glucose levels within a safe range without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. For this reason, SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter-2) inhibitors has been a hot topic in the last couple of years. They have been proved very efficient in treating type 2 diabetes. Many trials on the safety and efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors have been done on type 1 diabetics. Some other studies have also been done that prove their benefits in increasing arterial efficacy and reducing GFR (glomerular filtration rate). This review article discusses the benefits and risks. The literature search was performed using PubMed, and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 published papers were found. All relevant articles on the topic have been included. Our review has shown that the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors outweigh their risks. Their benefits include good glycemic control, HBA1c (glycated haemoglobin) reduction, weight loss, and blood pressure improvement. Furthermore, improvement in GFR and arterial efficacy is also significant. Side effects such as UTI (urinary tract infection) and genital infection have been observed, but their incidence is low. However, DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) and hypoglycemia are severe side effects that should be highlighted. Hypoglycemia can be prevented by strictly monitoring blood sugar levels. The patient must be educated and counseled about DKA and its symptoms. This will ensure the safety of the patient as euglycemic DKA can prove fatal if not diagnosed earlier. So, SGLT2 inhibitors can be used as an effective drug to control blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes, especially in patients with a BMI higher than 30. It will not only achieve the treatment goals but can also decrease the morbidity and mortality of the patients. However, more studies need to be done to fully understand DKA caused by SGLT2 inhibitors.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus type 1; diabetes type 1; sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor.