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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

SGLT2 inhibitors for treating diabetes in cats

By Cook, Audrey K. & Behrend, Ellen·Published in Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics·2024·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA, United States·View original on Crossref

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Original publication title: SGLT2 inhibitor use in the management of feline diabetes mellitus

Species:
cat

Plain-English summary

A cat with diabetes was treated with new oral medications called SGLT2 inhibitors, which help lower blood sugar levels. These medications, bexagliflozin and velagliflozin, have been shown to improve blood sugar control quickly in cats that still produce some insulin. It's important for veterinarians to carefully select which cats can use these treatments and to monitor them closely for any serious side effects, like diabetic ketoacidosis, which can occur even when blood sugar levels are normal. Overall, these medications can be a good option for managing feline diabetes.

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Abstract

AbstractSodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are routinely used in the management of human type 2 diabetes and have been shown to effectively mitigate hyperglycemia and reduce the risks of cardiovascular and renal compromise. Two SGLT2 inhibitors, namely bexagliflozin and velagliflozin, were recently FDA approved for the treatment of uncomplicated feline diabetes mellitus. These oral hypoglycemic agents are a suitable option for many newly diagnosed cats, with rapid improvements in glycemic control and clinical signs. Suitable candidates must have some residual β‐cell function, as some endogenous insulin production is required to prevent ketosis. Appropriate patient selection and monitoring are necessary, and practitioners should be aware of serious complications such as euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.

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Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1111/jvp.13466