Control Blood Sugar with Oral Medication and Urinary Output
Did you know there is a class of medication which can help keep blood sugar under control by increasing the amount of sugar in the urine? This class of medication is called SGLT2 inhibitor (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2). They work inside the body targeting the kidneys to prevent reabsorbing sugar back into the bloodstream. This allows excess sugar to be eliminated out of the body via urine. These medications include:
- Canagliflozin (Invokana)
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
- Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
- Bexagliflozin (Brenzavvy)
- Ertugliflozin (Steglatro)
Who can use this medication?
This class of medication is only for people with type 2 diabetes. Children ten years of age and older can use this medication in addition to their diet and exercise plan. They are not for use in pregnancy or if a woman is trying to get pregnant.
What are some precautions?
Keep in mind these things. Drinking alcohol with these medications can increase the risk of dehydration and low blood pressure. Usually people are to take this medication in the morning. It is important to understand that each medication comes in different doses, and they are not interchangeable.
If you would happen to miss a dose, be very cautious of what you do next. Generally, if you’ve missed a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, it can’t be too close to your next does. Some practitioners will recommend that if the next dose is within 6 hours or fewer, skip the dose. DO NOT TAKE TWO PILLS TO MAKE UP FOR A MISSED DOSE. Be sure to check with your physician or healthcare provider for guidance and orders.
What are some benefits?
In normal conditions your kidneys will not start to excrete (or spill) sugar into urine to assist in trying to keep high blood sugar levels down until after the blood sugar reaches a level of 180 or greater. When using SGLT-2 medication your kidneys will start to excrete sugar out into the urine when the blood sugar reaches 140. This not only helps to keep blood sugars under better control, but can also have these key benefits.
- Blood sugar control by lowering A1c without risking severe low blood sugar levels
- Reduce blood pressure
- Heart protection by reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure. These medications can be used for people who do not have diabetes for heart protection.
- Kidney protection can also be obtained with these medications. These medications often slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (End Stage Renal Disease) and reduce the need for dialysis.
What are some side effects?
Common side effects of SGLT-2 medications are:
- An increase in urine output or peeing
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
- Urinary tract infections
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Genital infections
What are some special care needs?
Anyone who is taking these medications needs to be providing excellent genital care. Be sure to drink plenty of water to help excrete the sugar in your urine. This increase in sugar excretion raises the risk of infection. Appropriate hygiene can greatly decrease the risks. Regular hygiene is important as well as wiping and/or cleaning after urinating.
Managing Type 2 diabetes can be challenging. Understanding what medication(s), you are on, as well as remembering to take them as ordered may feel overwhelming. SGLT-2 medications need to be taken exactly as prescribed. Taking too much or too little can lead to problems. To prevent infections, appropriate genitourinary care must be taken into consideration. Check with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
