Endothelium; Inflammation; Thrombosis - SGLT2 inhibition with empagliflozin
Empagliflozin is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. SGLT2 inhibitors work by targeting a specific protein in the kidneys called SGLT2. Here's how empagliflozin and other SGLT2 inhibitors function:
Renal Glucose Reabsorption: Normally, the kidneys filter the blood to remove excess glucose (sugar) and excrete it in the urine. However, SGLT2 is a protein in the proximal renal tubules that reabsorbs glucose back into the bloodstream. In people with diabetes, this reabsorption process is often overactive, leading to higher blood glucose levels.
Inhibition of SGLT2: Empagliflozin works by inhibiting the SGLT2 protein in the renal tubules. By doing so, it reduces the ability of the kidneys to reabsorb glucose. As a result, more glucose is excreted in the urine, leading to lower blood glucose levels.
Key effects and benefits of empagliflozin and SGLT2 inhibitors include:
Lowering Blood Glucose: Empagliflozin helps lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes by promoting the removal of excess glucose from the body through urine.
Weight Loss: SGLT2 inhibitors, including empagliflozin, can lead to weight loss in some individuals due to the loss of calories in the form of glucose through urine.
Blood Pressure Reduction: These medications have been shown to lower blood pressure, which can be beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure or hypertension.
Cardiovascular Benefits: Empagliflozin has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in clinical trials. It has been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (such as heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular-related deaths) in people with type 2 diabetes who have a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Kidney Protection: SGLT2 inhibitors may also offer kidney protection by reducing the strain on the kidneys and potentially slowing the progression of kidney disease in some individuals with diabetes.
It's important to note that empagliflozin is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for diabetes, which may include dietary modifications, exercise, and other medications. Additionally, its use should be discussed with a healthcare provider, and potential side effects and risks should be considered based on an individual's medical history and specific needs. Common side effects of empagliflozin may include urinary tract infections, increased urination, and a higher risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when combined with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance on the appropriate use of empagliflozin and monitor your progress while taking the medication.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37797691/
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