Study highlights risk groups for a severe side effect of diabetes treatment
Patients with type 2 diabetes who have high blood glucose levels, low body weight or a history of ketoacidosis are at increased risk of developing this serious condition when treated with so-called SGLT2 inhibitors. A study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet also shows that the risk persists throughout the entire course of treatment.
A new study has identified specific patient groups with a heightened risk of developing a severe side effect from SGLT2 inhibitors, a class of diabetes medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. Researchers from Karolinska Institutet analyzed data from over 280,000 patients across Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, revealing that those with a history of ketoacidosis, high blood sugar levels, low body weight, or signs of malnutrition face an increased likelihood of experiencing this dangerous condition.
The study also found that the risk of ketoacidosis persisted throughout the duration of treatment, not just at the beginning. Infection was the most common trigger for ketoacidosis in these patients, with other acute conditions like kidney impairment, stroke, and major surgery also more prevalent among affected individuals. While SGLT2 inhibitors offer medical benefits for many, the research emphasizes the need for better identification of high-risk patients to ensure safer use of the medication.
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