Abstract:
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a class
of anti-hyperglycaemic agents widely used in the treatment
of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). They function by reducing
renal glucose reabsorption and thereby promote urinary glu cose excretion, resulting in improvement in glycaemic con trol. In large-scale clinical trials, SGLT2i have been shown to
reduce cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarc tion and stroke significantly. In addition, clinical evidence
suggests that they are renal protective as their use reduces
the relative risk of end-stage renal disease and death from
renal causes. These positive results have led to a rapid uptake
of SGLT2i in clinical practice. Recently, clinical studies and case
reports have suggested a link between SGLT2i therapy and
erythrocytosis. The authors discuss possible mechanisms at
cellular level that may cause erythrocytosis and explore its
clinical relevance in people living with T2DM who are taking
SGLT2i therapy.
