A Year of SGLT2 inhibitors in Veterinary Medicine

SGLT2 inhibitors reduce hyperglycemia by increasing glucose excretion into the urine. This class of drugs are commonly used for management of human type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two SGLT2 inhibitors have now been approved for treatment of feline diabetes mellitus. Widespread use of these drugs over the last year has increased our knowledge and experience with their use in cats. This lecture will review the mechanism of action, results of field studies, and current literature on the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in cats. The efficacy and adverse events reported in the pivotal field studies will be compared and contrasted to those reported in clinical veterinary medicine since drug approval. The lecture will also review recommendations for case selection, monitoring and management of adverse effects based on clinical experience in the last year.