Patient considerations in the management of type 2 diabetes – critical appraisal of dapagliflozin

Abstract

Marissa C Salvo,1 Amie D Brooks,2 Stacey M Thacker3 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT, 2Department of Pharmacy Practice, St Louis College of Pharmacy, St Louis, MO, 3Department of Pharmacy Practice, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA Abstract: Type 2 diabetes affects more than 350 million people worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing. Many patients with diabetes do not achieve and/or maintain glycemic targets, despite therapy implementation and escalation. Multiple therapeutic classes of agents are available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and the armamentarium has expanded significantly in the past decade. Selective sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, including dapagliflozin, represent the latest development in pharmacologic treatment options for type 2 diabetes. This class has a unique mechanism of action, working by increasing glucose excretion in the urine. The insulin-independent mechanism results in decreased serum glucose, without hypoglycemia or weight gain. Dapagliflozin is a once-daily oral therapy. Expanding therapy options for a complex patient population is critical, and dapagliflozin has a distinct niche that can be a viable option for select patients with diabetes. Keywords: SGLT2 inhibitor, selective sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, pharmacological treatment