April 21, 2016 : Latest SGLT-2 Inhibitors News

LATEST NEWS

• Europe Agrees: Learn the Signs of Atypical DKA in Patients Using SGLT-2s
• Reduction in Blood Glucose through SGLT-2 Therapy Does Not Prevent Diabetic Bone Disease

DISASTERS AVERTED — Near Miss Case Studies

• What Do You Attribute The Change To?

Many of you know that although Metformin was first introduced in Europe in 1958, it was actually the second drug in the biguanide class. The first was Phenformin, which was introduced in the U.S. at about the same time. In 1975 Phenformin was withdrawn from the U.S. market due to very high rates of lactic acidosis. Even though these same life-threatening effects did not occur in Europe where they were using Metformin, the U.S. FDA did not approve Metformin for use until 1993. (To learn more please check out this link.)

Now it appears that the European Committee is taking a page from the FDA’s book and they are urging healthcare providers to be vigilant and educate patients for signs and symptoms of atypical DKA in SGLT-2 patients. Although there is a small chance of this occurring, it is worth it to read this month’ s top article.

Your partner in diabetes care,
Dave Joffe
Editor-in-chief

European committee affirms benefits of SGLT-2s while urging healthcare providers to be vigilant and educate patients for signs and symptoms of atypical DKA.

Take bone density, history of osteoporosis into consideration when prescribing.

56-year-old man, type 2 diabetes, had been prescribed SGLT-2 to lower his glucose levels. He had been taking an SGLT-2 for the past two years. His A1C, blood pressure and weight were elevated since the last visit 3 months ago. When asked if he was doing anything different, he said he had read articles and seen on TV about these types of medications causing heart disease, so he stopped taking his.