Are sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors safe for patients with diabetes and cancer?
A new study highlights the risk of adverse events associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients with diabetes who also have cancer. The research findings were presented at ASN Kidney Week 2023, November 1–November 5.
For the study, investigators assessed the outcomes of 3,872 patients with diabetes and cancer who were prescribed SGLT2i and 3,189 patients who were prescribed another diabetes medication called glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA).
Compared to GLP-1 RA, SGLT2i were associated with a higher risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (a buildup of acids in the blood) and fracture but lower risks of acute kidney injury and urinary tract infection. There were no differences in the incidence of hypovolemia (fluid loss), low blood pressure, and genital infection between the SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA groups.
