Patient considerations in the management of type 2 diabetes - critical appraisal of dapaglifozin

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes affects more than 350 million people worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing. Many patients with diabetes do not achieve and/or maintain glycemic targets, despite therapy implementation and escalation. Multiple therapeutic classes of agents are available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and the armamentarium has expanded significantly in the past decade. Selective sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, including dapaglifozin, represent the latest development in pharmacologic treatment options for type 2 diabetes. This class has a unique mechanism of action, working by increasing glucose excretion in the urine. The insulin-independent mechanism results in decreased serum glucose, without hypoglycemia or weight gain. Dapaglifozin is a once-daily oral therapy. Expanding therapy options for a complex patient population is critical, and dapaglifozin has a distinct niche that can be a viable option for select patients with diabetes. © 2014 Salvo et al.