Canagliflozin: a novel 'glucuretic' approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Canagliflozin is the first in a new class of glucose-lowering drugs, an oral inhibitor of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2). SGLT2, the transporter is responsible for reabsorbing the majority of glucose filtered by the kidney. SGLT2 inhibitors are a new class of oral drugs indicated only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in conjunction with exercise and a healthy diet. They inhibit glucose re-absorption in the proximal renal tubules providing an insulin independent mechanism to lower blood glucose. Their use in clinical studies is associated with improved glycemic control, weight loss, and a low risk of hypoglycemia. They have been studied alone and with other medications including sulfonylureas, sitagliptin, and insulin.