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Review

Patient considerations in the management of type 2 diabetes – critical appraisal of dapagliflozin

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Pages 493-502 | Published online: 22 Apr 2014
 

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes affects more than 350 million people worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing. Many patients with diabetes do not achieve and/or maintain glycemic targets, despite therapy implementation and escalation. Multiple therapeutic classes of agents are available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and the armamentarium has expanded significantly in the past decade. Selective sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, including dapagliflozin, represent the latest development in pharmacologic treatment options for type 2 diabetes. This class has a unique mechanism of action, working by increasing glucose excretion in the urine. The insulin-independent mechanism results in decreased serum glucose, without hypoglycemia or weight gain. Dapagliflozin is a once-daily oral therapy. Expanding therapy options for a complex patient population is critical, and dapagliflozin has a distinct niche that can be a viable option for select patients with diabetes.

Acknowledgments

Marissa C Salvo, PharmD, BCACP, is Assistant Clinical Professor of the Department of Pharmacy Practice (University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy); Amie D Brooks, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, BCACP, is Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice in the Department of Pharmacy Practice (St Louis College of Pharmacy); Stacey M Thacker, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, is Clinical Assistant Professor of the Department of Pharmacy Practice (Southern Illinois University).

Disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare in this work.