Francesco Giorgino, MD, PhD: Optimizing Diabetes Treatment with SGLT2 Inhibitors

A major breakthrough in diabetes treatment in the last few years has been the advent of SGLT2 inhibitors as a medication that also assists in helping with kidney function, while lowering the risk of cardiovascular events.

During the 18th World Congress of Insulin Resistance Diabetes & Cardiovascular (WCIRDC) Online CME Conference presented by the Metabolic Institute of America (TMIOA), Francesco Giorgino, MD, PhD, professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism, chief of the Division of Endocrinology, and Director of the Specialty School of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University Hospital Policlinico Consorziale, University of Bari Aldo Moro, presented new information about using SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1RA, or an initial combination of both as treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Giorgino explained in an interview with HCPLive®, how these medications have shaped treatment plans for patients with type 2 diabetes.

He also said the individual circumstances are important when considering which treatment option to go with, including whether the patient is obese or whether they are already featuring a decrease in renal function.

Thus far, SGLT2 inhibitors have shown efficacy in reducing hospitalizations for heart failure and effect positively the decline in renal function in type 2 diabetes.

The GLP-1RA could also inhibit the further reduce the development of arthrosclerosis and the incidence of stroke and cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes.

Overall, Giorgino suggests both treatments could be combined for the benefit of many patients.