Diabetic nephropathyDiabetic kidney disease, DKDKidney damage caused by diabetes. It is silent in the early stages and is found by a urine test, not by symptoms.
SGLT2 inhibitor
Also known as Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, Gliflozin
A class of diabetes tablet that makes the kidneys pass excess sugar out in the urine. They also protect the heart and kidneys.
These are among the more important diabetes medicines of recent years, because their benefit goes beyond blood sugar: they reduce hospital admission for heart failure and slow the progression of , even in people without diabetes.
Things to expect
- Modest weight loss
- Genital thrush and urinary infections are more common — sugar in the urine feeds them
- Passing more urine, so keep fluid intake up
Related terms
- Diabetic ketoacidosisDKAA medical emergency in which a severe lack of insulin makes the body burn fat for fuel, flooding the blood with acids called ketones.
- MetforminGlucophageThe usual first tablet for type 2 diabetes. It lowers the sugar the liver releases and helps the body respond to its own insulin.