Review Article

SGLT2 Inhibitors: A Modern Approach to Cardio-Renal-MetabolicProtection

Mushtaq Haroon
Punjab Kidney & Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan

✉ Correspondence: Mushtaq Haroon Email: profmharoon@gmail.com

DOI https://doi.org/10.70302/jpsim.v7i2.2619
Volume: 7, Issue 2 Pages: 97–100 Published: 03 Jun 2026
Received: 13 Feb 2026 Revised: 29 Apr 2026 Accepted: 02 May 2026 Published Online: 03 Jun 2026

Abstract

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as an important therapeutic class offering significant cardio-renal-metabolic protection beyond glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Initially developed as glucose-lowering agents, these drugs are now recognized for their beneficial effects on heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). By inhibiting renal glucose and sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule, SGLT2 inhibitors promote glucosuria, natriuresis, osmotic diuresis, and restoration of tubuloglomerular feedback, leading to improved cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Clinical studies have demonstrated reductions in albuminuria, slowing of chronic kidney disease progression, and decreased hospitalization for heart failure in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Emerging evidence also supports their role in improving hepatic steatosis, liver enzyme abnormalities, and metabolic parameters in patients with MASLD and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Their application in compensated cirrhosis and refractory ascites is increasingly being explored, although caution is necessary in advanced liver disease because of risks related to volume depletion, renal dysfunction, electrolyte disturbances, and infections. Overall, SGLT2 inhibitors represent a modern multidimensional therapeutic approach with expanding applications across cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic medicine.

How to Cite This Article

Haroon M. SGLT2 Inhibitors: A Modern Approach to Cardio-Renal-MetabolicProtection. J Pak Soc Intern Med. 2026;7(2):97–100. doi:10.70302/jpsim.v7i2.2619

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Conflict of Interest

All authors declare no competing interests.

Disclosed in accordance with ICMJE and COPE guidelines.

Funding

No specific funding was received for this research.

Funder information follows the Crossref Funder Registry standard.

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CC BY CC BY 4.0 This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. May be shared and adapted with attribution. © 2026 Journal of Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine.
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