Simple Carbohydrate Restriction Could Bring about the Renoprotective Effect of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Diabetes Treatment

Abstract

Recent major clinical trials have revealed that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors were effective on heart failure and renal disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes. SGLT2 inhibitors decrease hyperglycemia independently of insulin by increasing urinary glucose excretion through the inhibition of SGLT2 for glucose reabsorption in the proximal renal tubule. It has been suggested that excessive intake of carbohydrates was associated with obesity and chronic kidney disease. It is expected that carbohydrate restriction can bring about the renoprotective effect of SGLT2 inhibitors in diabetes treatment. Carbohydrate-rich foods contain dietary fiber and micronutrients. Considering also that it takes time to change people's lifestyles, it would be wise to implement proper restriction of carbohydrates or simple carbohydrates while using SGLT2 inhibitors timely and effectively.