Dapagliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Despite the availability of many antihypreglycemic agents, many patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) fail to achieve the glycemic treatment goal, primarily due to progressive beta-cell dysfunction, and increased risk of hypoglycemia. Areas covered: The aim of the present article is to review the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin, a novel antihyperglycemic drug that lowers the plasma glucose concentration by the inhibition of renal sodium-glucose cotransport, in lowering the plasma glucose concentration and the HbA1c in T2DM patents. This review summarizes the published data about the mechanism of action and clinical efficacy of dapagliflozin in lowering the HbA1c in patients with T2DM. It also discusses additional non-glycemic benefits of dapagliflozin and the safety profile of the drug. Expert opinion: Dapagliflozin is effective in lowering the plasma glucose concentration in patients with T2DM with a good safety profile. Because of its unique mechanism of action, dapagliflozin can be utilized in combination with all other antihyperglycemic agents and at all stages of the disease.