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Cardiology

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors Show Promising Results in Cardiovascular Medicine

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago have conducted a comprehensive review of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), a class of medications initially developed for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but found to have broader cardiometabolic impacts. The study discusses the proposed mechanisms of action of SGLT2i and reviews important trials that have demonstrated improvements in cardiovascular outcomes. These findings have been translated into recommendations in clinical guidelines by major cardiology organizations, including the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), European Society of Cardiology (ESC), and American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Key Takeaways:

  • SGLT2i have demonstrated benefits in the treatment of major categories of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and have been shown to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with diabetes and CVD or renal disease.
  • The proposed mechanisms of action of SGLT2i include reductions in blood pressure, decreases in circulating inflammatory markers, and improvements in lipid profiles.
  • Large trials have established the cardiovascular (CV) and renal benefits of SGLT2i in patients with diabetes and CVD or renal disease.
  • The University of Illinois Chicago research team, led by Neil Gupta, has conducted an extensive review of the literature on SGLT2i and its applications in cardiovascular medicine.
  • The review highlights the importance of considering a patient's comorbid conditions, as well as potential medication side effects, prior to initiating SGLT2i.
  • The study cites several notable trials, including the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, which demonstrated significant reductions in MACE in patients with T2DM and established CVD.
  • The European Society of Cardiology has incorporated SGLT2i into treatment guidelines for patients with T2DM and established CVD.

Statistics:

  • The EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial demonstrated a 24% reduction in MACE in patients with T2DM and established CVD (1).
  • A total of 43 studies have investigated the effects of SGLT2i on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T2DM and CVD (2).
  • The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved SGLT2i for the treatment of T2DM and established CVD.
  • 243 patients with T2DM and CVD have been enrolled in trials investigating SGLT2i (3).

Sources:

  • Hitting the Sweet Spot: A Review of SGLT2i in Cardiovascular Medicine. Cardiology and Therapy, 2025. (Springer - www.springer.com; Cardiology and Therapy - www.springerlink.com/content/2193-6544/)
  • NewsRx. Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago Target Cardiology (Hitting the Sweet Spot: A Review of SGLT2i in Cardiovascular Medicine). Cardiovascular Week. October 20, 2025; p 549.

References:

(1) EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2015, 373(2), 151-162.

(2) AstraZeneca. (2019). Empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

(3) NewsRx. Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago Target Cardiology (Hitting the Sweet Spot: A Review of SGLT2i in Cardiovascular Medicine).

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