David Cherney, MD: SGLT2 Inhibitors and Prescribing Responsibility

The evolution of SGLT2 inhibitors from an agent known for mild reductions in HbA1c and body weight to a therapy with proven cardiovascular and renal benefits has captured the attention of endocrinologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, and even primary care providers. What were once trends and observational results have now been confirmed by landmark clinical trials. It seems every major cardiology or diabetes conference in the past few years have been headlined by such a trial and it is hard to see that trend ending any time soon—especially with so many unanswered questions remaining related to the mechanism of actions behind these therapies.

The most recent of these presentations was given by David Cherney, MD, PhD, associate professor in the departments of Medicine and Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Toronto, when he presented an analysis of VERTIS-CV examining the renal outcomes with use of ertugliflozin (Steglatro) in the cardiovascular outcomes trial. While the trial demonstrated the benefits of ertugliflozin on renal function in the study population, Endocrinology Network reached out to Cherney to learn more about the implications of this trial.

In the following interview, Cherney offers his perspective on what specialists bare the responsibility of prescribing these agents to patients for whom they are appropriate and to learn more about why multiple fields being knowledgable of SGLT2 inhibitors will improve the care of patients.