Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Safety and effectiveness of bexagliflozin for new diabetic cats
By Hadd, Michael J et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2023·IncreVet, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Safety and effectiveness of the sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitor bexagliflozin in cats newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old cat was diagnosed with diabetes and treated with a new medication called bexagliflozin, which is designed to help manage blood sugar levels. After 56 days of treatment, about 84% of the cats showed significant improvements, including lower blood sugar levels and better overall health, such as improved coat quality and energy levels. However, some cats experienced side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, and in a few cases, serious complications that led to death. Overall, bexagliflozin appears to be a promising option for managing diabetes in cats, making it easier for owners to care for their pets.
People also search for: cat diabetes treatment · bexagliflozin for cats · cat blood sugar management · diabetes medication side effects in cats
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bexagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. A pilot study has shown that bexagliflozin can decrease dependence on exogenous insulin in cats with diabetes mellitus (DM). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of bexagliflozin as a monotherapy for DM in previously untreated cats. ANIMALS: Eighty-four client-owned cats. METHODS: Historically controlled prospective open-label clinical trial. Cats were dosed PO with 15 mg bexagliflozin once daily for 56 days, with a 124-day extension to evaluate safety and treatment effect durability. The primary endpoint was the proportion of cats experiencing a decrease in hyperglycemia and improvement in clinical signs of hyperglycemia from baseline on day 56. RESULTS: Of 84 enrolled cats, 81 were evaluable on day 56, and 68 (84.0%) were treatment successes. Decreases in mean serum glucose, fructosamine, and β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) concentrations were observed, and investigator assessments of cat neurological status, musculature, and hair coat quality improved. Owner evaluations of both cat and owner quality of life were favorable. The fructosamine half-life in diabetic cats was found to be 6.8 days. Commonly observed adverse events included emesis, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and dehydration. Eight cats experienced serious adverse events, 3 of which led to death or euthanasia. The most important adverse event was euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, diagnosed in 3 cats and presumed present in a fourth. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Bexagliflozin decreased hyperglycemia and observed clinical signs in cats newly diagnosed with DM. As a once-daily PO medication, bexagliflozin may simplify management of DM in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37148170/