Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Using SGLT2 inhibitors to treat diabetes in cats
By Cook, Audrey K & Behrend, Ellen·Published in Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics·2025·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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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, specifically bexagliflozin and velagliflozin, which help lower blood sugar levels. These medications have been shown to quickly improve symptoms of diabetes in cats that still produce some insulin. It's important for veterinarians to carefully select which cats can use these drugs and to monitor them closely for potential complications, like diabetic ketoacidosis, which can occur even when blood sugar levels are normal. Overall, these treatments offer a promising option for managing feline diabetes.
People also search for: cat diabetes treatment · SGLT2 inhibitors for cats · feline diabetes symptoms · diabetic ketoacidosis in cats
Abstract
Sodium-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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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38954371/