The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) has begun looking into the possible link between sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, an emerging class of diabetes drugs, and the severe blood condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. According to Diabetes.co.uk, the AACE plans to hold a conference on the subject in late October.
SGLT2 inhibitors are a new type of diabetes medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Popular examples include canagliflozin (Invokana), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and empagliflozin (Jardiance). These drugs work by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys and causing sugar in the blood to be eliminated through urine.
Earlier this year, the FDA released a safety communication warning of a possible connection between SGLT2 inhibitors and ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal blood condition wherein the body produces too many blood acids, or ketones. In addition to possibly causing diabetic ketoacidosis, several medical experts have expressed concern that SGLT2 inhibitors make it harder to diagnose ketoacidosis in diabetic patients. This may be especially true in type 1 diabetic patients, who have been prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors off-label.
In an attempt to address these and other concerns about SGLT2 inhibitors, the AACE has scheduled a “Scientific and Clinical Review of DKA and the Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors” for October 24–25 in Dallas. The meeting will give diabetes experts a chance to come together, analyze data, and chart a suitable course for dealing with the problem. Diabetes.co.uk quotes George Grunberger, the CEO of the AACE: “AACE’s responsibility to its members and their diabetes patients is to conduct a complete, objective and balanced evaluation of this data and investigate any knowledge gaps before using our recommendations.”
You should consult your doctor or physician about any medical concerns you may have. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with ketoacidosis while using an SGLT2 inhibitor, contact the attorneys at Lopez McHugh today to receive a free legal consultation.
