What is the primary mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors in diabetes treatment?

What is the primary mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors in diabetes treatment?

• A. They increase insulin secretion from the pancreas
• B. They promote glucose reabsorption in the kidneys
• C. They inhibit glucose reabsorption in the kidneys
• D. They enhance glycogen synthesis in the liver

Answer: (C)

SGLT2 inhibitors primarily function by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, which is essential for their role in diabetes treatment. These medications target the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) in the proximal tubules of the kidneys, leading to increased urinary excretion of glucose. By doing so, they effectively lower blood glucose levels without directly stimulating insulin secretion. The action of SGLT2 inhibitors reduces the amount of glucose that is reabsorbed back into the bloodstream, which can help manage hyperglycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes. As a result, this mechanism not only aids in blood sugar control but also contributes to weight loss and may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular and renal health. Understanding this mechanism highlights the unique role that SGLT2 inhibitors play in diabetes management, distinguishing them from other classes of diabetes medications that may work through different pathways, such as increasing insulin secretion or enhancing glycemic control through other mechanisms.

SGLT2 inhibitors primarily function by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, which is essential for their role in diabetes treatment. These medications target the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) in the proximal tubules of the kidneys, leading to increased urinary excretion of glucose. By doing so, they effectively lower blood glucose levels without directly stimulating insulin secretion.

The action of SGLT2 inhibitors reduces the amount of glucose that is reabsorbed back into the bloodstream, which can help manage hyperglycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes. As a result, this mechanism not only aids in blood sugar control but also contributes to weight loss and may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular and renal health. Understanding this mechanism highlights the unique role that SGLT2 inhibitors play in diabetes management, distinguishing them from other classes of diabetes medications that may work through different pathways, such as increasing insulin secretion or enhancing glycemic control through other mechanisms.