379. SGLT Inhibitors: The Biology of SGLT Inhibition with Dr. Katherine Tuttle

CardioNerds (Drs. Gurleen Kaur and Richard Ferraro) and episode FIT Lead Dr. Saahil Jumkhawala (Cardiology Fellow at the University of Miami) discuss SGLT inhibitors, focusing on the biology of SGLT and its inhibition, with Dr. Katherine Tuttle (Executive Director for Research at Providence Healthcare, Co-Principal Investigator of the Institute of Translational Health Sciences, and Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington).  Show notes were drafted by Dr. Saahil Jumkhawala. The episode audio was engineered by CardioNerds intern Christiana Dangas.



This episode was produced in collaboration with the American Society of Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) with independent medical education grant support from Lexicon Pharmaceuticals.











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Pearls - The Biology of SGLT Inhibition with Dr. Katherine Tuttle




SGLT inhibitors, while initially developed as antidiabetic medications, have been shown to be beneficial for cardiovascular and renal outcomes. These benefits result from their on-target glucosuric effects and additional off-target effects.



The side effect profiles of SGLTis are primarily mediated by glucose reabsorption in their target tissues. The side effect profile of SGLTis must be considered when prescribing these medications and is generally favorable for SGLT2is versus SGLT1is.



Once SGLTis are prescribed, patients should be given specific attention to their eGFR, serum potassium, and clinical evaluations of volume status and blood pressure.



Strategies to increase implementation of and reduce clinical inertia for these important class of medication remain an area of active investigation




Show notes - The Biology of SGLT Inhibition with Dr. Katherine Tuttle



What should prompt consideration of starting an SGLT inhibitor?




Considerations for SGLT inhibitor initiation are based on a history of heart failure, kidney disease, and diabetes status.

In the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, empagliflozin improved cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in those with low GFR (regardless of level of albuminuria).






What is the mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors?




SGLT2 inhibitors improve glycemic control by blocking SGLT2 receptor-mediated reabsorption of glucose in the proximal convoluted tubule, where 80-90% of this reuptake occurs, and increased downstream excretion of glucose and sodium chloride. SGLT2 inhibitors provide only a modest glucose-lowering effect, particularly for patients with GFR