From the Research
There is no established direct relationship between SGLT2 inhibitors and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Necrotizing enterocolitis is primarily a condition affecting premature infants, characterized by inflammation and death of intestinal tissue. It is not typically associated with SGLT2 inhibitors, which are medications used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults by preventing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys. SGLT2 inhibitors (such as empagliflozin, canagliflozin, and dapagliflozin) work by blocking sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 in the kidneys, causing excess glucose to be excreted in urine. The main side effects of SGLT2 inhibitors include urinary tract infections, genital mycotic infections, and volume depletion. In rare cases, they can cause more serious effects like diabetic ketoacidosis or Fournier's gangrene, but they are not known to cause intestinal necrosis conditions like NEC, as supported by studies such as 1 and 2.
Key Points to Consider
- Necrotizing enterocolitis is a condition that primarily affects premature infants, and its etiology remains obscure despite over 40 years of research, as noted in 3.
- SGLT2 inhibitors are used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and have been shown to have cardiovascular benefits, as seen in 1 and 2.
- The main side effects of SGLT2 inhibitors do not include intestinal necrosis conditions like NEC.
- If there are concerns about gastrointestinal effects of diabetes medications, alternative classes such as metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, or DPP-4 inhibitors could be considered after consultation with a healthcare provider.
Recent Research on NEC
Recent studies, such as 4 and 5, have focused on the diagnosis and treatment of NEC, as well as potential new biomarkers and therapeutics. However, these studies do not establish a direct relationship between SGLT2 inhibitors and NEC.
Clinical Implications
In clinical practice, the use of SGLT2 inhibitors should not be avoided due to concerns about NEC, as the condition is not typically associated with these medications. Instead, healthcare providers should consider the individual patient's risk factors and medical history when prescribing diabetes medications, as suggested by 2.