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Background and objectives Sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor–induced uric acid lowering may contribute to kidney-protective effects of the drug class in people with type 2 diabetes. This study investigates mechanisms of plasma uric acid lowering by SGLT2 inhibitors in people with type 2 diabetes with a focus on urate transporter 1. Design, setting, participants, & measurements We conducted an analysis of two randomized clinical trials. First, in the Renoprotective Effects of Dapagliflozin in Type 2 Diabetes study, 44 people with type 2 diabetes were randomized to dapagliflozin or gliclazide for 12 weeks. Plasma uric acid, fractional uric acid excretion, and hemodynamic kidney function were measured in the fasted state and during clamped euglycemia or hyperglycemia. Second, in the Uric Acid Excretion study, ten people with type 2 diabetes received 1 week of empagliflozin, urate transporter 1 blocker benzbromarone, or their combination in a crossover design, and effects on plasma uric acid, fractional uric acid excretion, and 24-hour uric acid excretion were measured. Results In the Renoprotective Effects of Dapagliflozin in Type 2 Diabetes study, compared with the fasted state (5.361.1mg/dl),acutehyperinsulinemiaandhyperglycemiasignificantly reduced plasma uric acid by 0.260.3 and 0.460.3 mg/dl (both P,0.001) while increasing fractional uric acid excretion (by 3.2%63.1% and 8.9%64.5%, respectively; both P,0.001). Dapagliflozin reduced plasma uric acid by 0.860.8 during fasting, 1.061.0 in hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic state, and 0.860.7 mg/dl during hyperglycemic conditions (P,0.001), respectively, whereas fractional uric acid excretion in 24-hour urine increased by 3.0%62.1% (P,0.001) and 2.6%64.5% during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic conditions (P=0.003). Fractional uric acid excretion strongly correlated to fractional glucose excretion (r=0.35; P=0.02). In the Uric Acid Excretion study, empagliflozin and benzbromarone both significantly reduced plasma uric acid and increased fractional uric acid excretion. Effects of combination therapy did not differ from benzbromarone monotherapy. Conclusions In conclusion, SGLT2 inhibitors induce uric acid excretion, which is strongly linked to urinary glucose excretion and is attenuated during concomitant pharmacologic blockade of urate transporter 1. Clinical Trial registry name and registration number: Renoprotective Effects of Dapagliflozin in Type 2 Diabetes (RED), NCT02682563; SGLT2 Inhibition: Uric Acid Excretion Study (UREX), NCT05210517.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) improve hard renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes. This is possibly explained by the fact that SGLT2i normalize the measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) by increasing renal vascular resistance, as was shown in young people with type 1 diabetes and glomerular hyperfiltration. Therefore, we compared the renal hemodynamic effects of dapagliflozin with gliclazide in type 2 diabetes. The mGFR and effective renal plasma flow were assessed using inulin and para-aminohippurate clearances in the fasted state, during clamped euglycemia (5 mmol/L) and during clamped hyperglycemia (15 mmol/L). Filtration fraction and renal vascular resistance were calculated. Additionally, factors known to modulate renal hemodynamics were measured. In 44 people with type 2 diabetes on metformin monotherapy (Hemoglobin A1c 7.4%, mGFR 113 mL/min), dapagliflozin versus gliclazide reduced mGFR by 5, 10, and 12 mL/min in the consecutive phases while both agents similarly improved Hemoglobin A1c (-0.48% vs -0.65%). Dapagliflozin also reduced filtration fraction without increasing renal vascular resistance, and increased urinary adenosine and prostaglandin concentrations. Gliclazide did not consistently alter renal hemodynamic parameters. Thus, beyond glucose control, SGLT2i reduce mGFR and filtration fraction in type 2 diabetes. The fact that renal vascular resistance was not increased by dapagliflozin suggests that this is due to post-glomerular vasodilation rather than pre-glomerular vasoconstriction.

Sodium–glucose transporter (SGLT)2 inhibitors increase plasma magnesium and plasma phosphate and may cause ketoacidosis, but the contribution of improved glycemic control to these observations as well as effects on other electrolytes and acid–base parameters remain unknown. Therefore, our objective was to compare the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors dapagliflozin and sulfonylurea gliclazide on plasma electrolytes, urinary electrolyte excretion, and acid–base balance in people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). We assessed the effects of dapagliflozin and gliclazide treatment on plasma electrolytes and bicarbonate, 24-hour urinary pH and excretions of electrolytes, ammonium, citrate, and sulfate in 44 metformin-treated people with T2D and preserved kidney function. Compared with gliclazide, dapagliflozin increased plasma chloride by 1.4 mmol/l (95% CI 0.4–2.4), plasma magnesium by 0.03 mmol/l (95% CI 0.01–0.06), and plasma sulfate by 0.02 mmol/l (95% CI 0.01–0.04). Compared with baseline, dapagliflozin also significantly increased plasma phosphate, but the same trend was observed with gliclazide. From baseline to week 12, dapagliflozin increased the urinary excretion of citrate by 0.93 ± 1.72 mmol/day, acetoacetate by 48 μmol/day (IQR 17–138), and β-hydroxybutyrate by 59 μmol/day (IQR 0–336), without disturbing acid–base balance. In conclusion, dapagliflozin increases plasma magnesium, chloride, and sulfate compared with gliclazide, while reaching similar glucose-lowering in people with T2D. Dapagliflozin also increases urinary ketone excretion without changing acid–base balance. Therefore, the increase in urinary citrate excretion by dapagliflozin may reflect an effect on cellular metabolism including the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This potentially contributes to kidney protection.

Aims: Glomerular hyperfiltration plays a key role in the pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Mechanisms underlying this adverse hemodynamic profile are incompletely understood. We hypothesized that systemic vascular pathology, including endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness, relates to glomerular hyperfiltration indicated by filtration fraction (FF). Methods: Baseline data of three trials of overweight adults with type 2 diabetes (TD2, n = 111) with relatively well preserved kidney function were analyzed. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), and FF, were assessed with gold-standard clearance techniques. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR), an indicator of endothelial dysfunction, and pulse pressure (PP), a measure of arterial stiffness, were derived from continuous beat-to-beat monitoring. Results: SVR related negatively to GFR (β: −0.382, p < 0.001) and ERPF (β: −0.475, p < 0.001), and positively to FF (β:0.369, p < 0.001). Associations between SVR, ERPF and FF persisted after multivariable adjustments. PP was negatively related to ERPF (β: −0.252, p = 0.008), and positively to FF (β: 0.257, p = 0.006), of which the latter remained significant in multivariable regression. Conclusion: Parameters of systemic vascular pathology, including endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness, relate to an adverse kidney hemodynamic profile characterized by glomerular hyperfiltration, which predisposes to the development of DKD.

Objective: Diabetic kidney disease is a microvascular complication of diabetes. Here, we assessed the association between skin microvascular function and renal hemodynamic function in a cohort of well-phenotyped adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: We included 81 overweight/obese adults (age: 62 ± 8 years; BMI: 32 ± 4 kg/m2) with well-controlled T2D and no renal impairment. Skin microvascular function was assessed by nailfold capillary density in rest and after arterial occlusion (ie, peak capillary density). Renal hemodynamic functions (ie, measured glomerular filtration rate [mGFR], effective renal blood flow [ERBF], filtration fraction [FF], and effective renal vascular resistance [ERVR]) were assessed by combined inulin and para-aminohippurate clearances and blood pressure measurements. Results: Skin capillary density was 45 ± 10 capillaries/mm2 at baseline and 57 ± 11 capillaries/mm2 during post-occlusive peak; mGFR averaged 108 ± 20 ml/min. In multivariable regression analyses, positive associations between capillary density during post-occlusive peak and mGFR (β = 0.224; p = 0.022) and ERBF (β = 0.203; p = 0.020) and a positive trend for hyperemia and mGFR (β = 0.391; p = 0.053) were observed, while a negative association for post-occlusive capillary density with ERVR (β = −0.196; p = 0.027) was found. Conclusion: These findings indicate that microvascular dysfunction in overweight adults with T2D is associated with lower mGFR and ERPF and higher ERVR. We hypothesize that increased renal vascular resistance may contribute to glomerular dysfunction due to impaired renal perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: Kidney insulin clearance, proposed to be the main route of extra-hepatic insulin clearance, occurs in tubular cells following glomerular filtration and peritubular uptake, a process that may be impaired in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or impaired kidney function. Human studies that investigated kidney insulin clearance are limited by the invasive nature of the measurement. Instead, we evaluated relationships between whole-body insulin clearance, and gold-standard measured kidney function and insulin sensitivity in adults with T2D and normal kidney function.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We determined insulin, inulin/iohexol and para-aminohippuric acid (PAH) clearances during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp to measure whole-body insulin clearance and kidney function. Insulin sensitivity was expressed by glucose infusion rate (M value). Associations between whole-body insulin clearance, kidney function and insulin sensitivity were examined using univariable and multivariable linear regressions models.RESULTS: We investigated 44 predominantly male (77%) T2D adults aged 63 ± 7, with fat mass 34.5 ± 9 kg, lean body mass 63.0 ± 11.8 kg, and HbA1c 7.4 ± 0.6%. Average whole-body insulin clearance was 1188 ± 358 mL/min. Mean GFR was 110 ± 22 mL/min, mean ERPF 565 ± 141 mL/min, and M value averaged 3.9 ± 2.3 mg/min. Whole-body insulin clearance was positively correlated with lean body mass, ERPF and insulin sensitivity, but not with GFR. ERPF explained 6% of the variance when entered in a nested multivariable linear regression model op top of lean body mass (25%) and insulin sensitivity (15%).CONCLUSIONS: In adults with T2D and normal kidney function, whole-body insulin clearance was predicted best by lean body mass and insulin sensitivity, and to a lesser extent by ERPF. GFR was not associated with whole-body insulin clearance. In contrast to prior understanding, this suggests that in this population kidney insulin clearance may not play such a dominant role in whole-body insulin clearance.

Para-aminohippuric acid (PAH)-derived effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) is increasingly being used in parallel with the revived interest in kidney hemodynamic function due to the development of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. In our trial (Kidney Int 2020;97: 202-12) we measured ERPF by urinary PAH clearance and calculated fractional PAH extraction ratios, which initially were very low during both the hyperglycemic clamps at baseline, as well as the euglycemic conditions following treatment with SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin. Previous literature showed that hyperglycemic i.e. glucosuric conditions reduce urinary PAH concentrations, due to a Schiff base that is formed between the para-amino group of PAH and the aldehyde group of glucose. By using hydrochloric acid (HCl) any PAH that has been glycosylated can be reconverted, independent of storage time. After treatment with HCL we indeed found higher PAH extraction ratios in the expected range. In addition, a negative correlation between storage time and PAH extraction ratio in people treated with SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin during a euglycemic clamp before treatment with HCl. Besides these human data, comparable results were observed in male obese ZSF1 rats with hyperglycemia. Therefore, researchers should be aware that even under euglycemic conditions, SGLT2 inhibitors induce glucosuria that interferes with accurate ERPF measurement due to glycosylation of PAH in stored urine samples. Pre-treatment of urine with NaOH or adding HCl prior to measurement will overcome this problem.

Aim To dissect the effects of the sodium-glucose linked transporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin on lipid metabolism and assess whether these effects could potentially offset cardiovascular benefit with this drug-class. Materials and methods We assessed the effect of dapagliflozin on lipid metabolism in 11 adults with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes. After 4 weeks of statin wash-out and 4 weeks of rosuvastatin 10 mg treatment, participants were treated with dapagliflozin 10 mg once-daily for 5 weeks. Before and after dapagliflozin, plasma lipids were measured and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-1 and VLDL-2 apolipoprotein (Apo)B fluxes were assessed using (5.5.5-2 H3 )-leucine tracer infusion. In addition, hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity as well as insulin-mediated inhibition of peripheral lipolysis were measured during a two-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycaemic clamp using (6,6-2 H2 )-glucose and (1,1,2,3,3-2 H5 )-glycerol tracers. Results Rosuvastatin decreased all plasma lipids significantly: total cholesterol from 4.5 (3.2-6.2) to 3.1 (2.5-3.8) mmol/L, LDL cholesterol from 2.6 (1.7-3.4) to 1.5 (1.1-2.2) mmol/L, HDL cholesterol from 1.34 (0.80-2.02) to 1.19 (0.74-1.89) mmol/L and triglycerides from 0.92 (0.31-3.91) to 0.79 (0.32-2.10) mmol/L. The addition of dapaglifozin to rosuvastatin did not raise either LDL cholesterol or total cholesterol, and only increased HDL cholesterol by 0.08 (-0.03-0.13) mmol/L (P = 0.03). In line with this, dapagliflozin did not affect VLDL-1 or VLDL-2 ApoB fluxes. Fasting endogenous glucose production tended to increase by 0.9 (-3.4-3.1) μmol kg-1 min-1 (P = 0.06), but no effect on hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity or on peripheral lipolysis was observed. Conclusions Dapagliflozin has no effect on plasma LDL-cholesterol levels or VLDL-apoB fluxes in the context of optimal lipid-lowering treatment, which will thus not limit cardiovascular benefit when lipids are adequately controlled.

OBJECTIVE Impaired insulin sensitivity is associated with hyperfiltration (i.e., elevated glomerular filtration rate [GFR]) in adolescents with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and adults with prediabetes. Yet, these relationships are based on studies that relied on estimated GFR (eGFR), estimates of insulin sensitivity, or both. We aimed to verify the relationship between insulin sensitivity and renal hemodynamic function by gold standard methods in adults with T2D. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Insulin sensitivity was assessed by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (M value) (glucose infusion rate in mg/kglean/min) and renal hemodynamic function by urinary inulin (GFR) and para-aminohippuric acid (effective renal plasma flow [ERPF]) clearances in participants with T2D without overt kidney disease. Filtration fraction (FF) (GFR/ERPF) was calculated. Relationships between insulin sensitivity and renal hemodynamic parameters were examined by multivariable linear regression. Renal hemodynamic parameters were examined across tertiles of M values. RESULTS We tested 44 adults with T2D, of whom 77% were male, with mean ± SD age 63 ± 7 years, BMI 31.2 ± 4.0 kg/m2, and HbA1c 7.4 ± 0.6%. Average GFR was 110 ± 26 mL/min, with an FF of 22.1 ± 2.8% and median 24-h urinary albumin excretion of 11.3 mg (interquartile range 5.8–17.0). Average M value was 5.6 ± 2.9 mg/kglean/min. Insulin sensitivity inversely correlated with GFR (r = −0.44, P < 0.01) and FF (r = −0.40, P < 0.01), and these associations remained significant after multivariable adjustments for age, sex, renin-angiotensin system inhibitor use, and HbA1c. In addition, GFR, FF, and urinary albumin excretion were highest in the participants in the lowest M value tertile. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we demonstrate that impaired insulin sensitivity is associated with intrarenal hemodynamic dysfunction by gold standard techniques in adults with T2D treated with metformin monotherapy.

An absolute, supraphysiologic elevation in GFR is observed early in the natural history in 10%-67% and 6%-73% of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Moreover, at the single-nephron level, diabetes-related renal hemodynamic alterations-as an adaptation to reduction in functional nephron mass and/ or in response to prevailing metabolic and (neuro)hormonal stimuli-increase glomerular hydraulic pressure and transcapillary convective flux of ultrafiltrate and macromolecules. This phenomenon, known as glomerular hyperfiltration, classically has been hypothesized to predispose to irreversible nephron damage, thereby contributing to initiation and progression of kidney disease in diabetes. However, dedicated studies with appropriate diagnostic measures and clinically relevant end points are warranted to confirm this assumption. In this review, we summarize the hitherto proposed mechanisms involved in diabetic hyperfiltration, focusing on ultrastructural, vascular, and tubular factors. Furthermore, we review available evidence on the clinical significance of hyperfiltration in diabetes and discuss currently available and emerging interventions that may attenuate this renal hemodynamic abnormality. The revived interest in glomerular hyperfiltration as a prognostic and pathophysiologic factor in diabetes may lead to improved and timely detection of (progressive) kidney disease, and could provide new therapeutic opportunities in alleviating the renal burden in this population.

Introduction: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) improve hard renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. An acute and reversible drop in eGFR that stabilizes over time, as with RAS inhibitors, suggests involvement of a beneficial renal hemodynamic mechanism. In hyperfiltering T1D patients, SGLT2i lowered GFR by increasing afferent arteriolar resistance, possibly by activating tubuloglomerular feedback. We studied the renal hemodynamic effects of SGLT2i dapagliflozin in T2D patients like those included in recent outcome trials. Methods: Forty-four T2D patients on metformin monotherapy, (62.9±7.0 years, HbA1c 7.38±0.63%, GFR 113±19 mL/min) were randomized to 12 weeks dapagliflozin 10mg (DAPA, n=24) or gliclazide 30mg (GLIC, n=20) QD to achieve glycemic equipoise. At baseline and week 12, GFR and renal plasma flow (RPF) were measured by gold-standard inulin and para-aminohippurate clearances. The measurements were performed 1) in the fasting state, 2) during clamped euglycemia (90 mg/dL) and 3) hyperglycemia (270 mg/dL). Renal vascular resistance (RVR) and filtration fraction (FF) were calculated using GFR, RPF, Ht and MAP. Afferent and efferent arteriolar resistances were estimated by Gomez’ equations. Results: HbA1C decreased similarly (0.47% with DAPA and 0.65% with GLIC; p=ns), while only DAPA significantly reduced MAP by approximately 6 mmHg. DAPA reduced GFR during all three conditions by 8.9 (p Conclusion: We confirm that SGLT2i induces beneficial renal hemodynamic changes in T2D beyond glycemic control that are characterized by reduced GFR and FF. However, in contrast to standing opinion, this is mediated by efferent arteriolar dilation rather than afferent arteriolar constriction. Disclosure E.J. van Bommel: None. M.A. Muskiet: Consultant; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi. M.J. van Baar: None. M.H. Kramer: None. M. Nieuwdorp: Advisory Panel; Self; Caelus health. J.A. Joles: None. D.H. van Raalte: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Sanofi. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Sanofi. Funding AstraZeneca Nederland BV

Introduction: Disease progression in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is due to a continuous loss of β-cell function, partly driven by chronic secretory stress on remaining islets caused by hyperglycemia. Beta-cell loss may be further enhanced by insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas. In contrast, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) may improve beta-cell function by reducing β-cell afterload by lowering blood glucose levels through glucosuria. Methods: Forty-four T2D patients treated with metformin (age 63 ± 7 years; HbA1c 7.3 ± 0.6%; GFR 113±19 mL/min) were randomized to dapagliflozin 10mg (DAPA, n=24) or gliclazide 30mg (GLIC, n=20) QD. At baseline and week 12, whole-body insulin sensitivity (M-value) and β-cell function were quantified by gold-standard hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic and hyperglycemic clamp with additional arginine stimulation. First-phase glucose-stimulated and arginine-stimulated incremental area under the C-peptide curves (iAUCCP) were calculated. iAUCCP multiplied by M-value rendered disposition indices (1st phase and ARG-DI; nmol.min/L.mg/kg.min). Results: HbA1C decreased similarly (-0.47% with DAPA and -0.65% with GLIC; p=ns). DAPA, but not GLIC, decreased fasting hyperinsulinemia (-18.4 pmol/l vs. +2.7 pmol/l, p=0.01). Neither treatment improved insulin sensitivity. GLIC significantly increased 1st phase DI from 0.75 ± 1.21 to 2.89 ± 3.25 (p Conclusion: In contrast to the secretagogue GLIC, DAPA lowered fasting insulin levels and did not further enhance C-peptide secretion in response to hyperglycemia. However, it did improve ARG-DI, which may reflect β-cell total secretory capacity. Thus, by lowering beta-cell afterload, DAPA may confer long-term β-cell benefit versus GLIC. Disclosure E.J.M. van Bommel: None. M.H. Muskiet: Consultant; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi. M.J. van Baar: None. M.H. Kramer: None. M. Nieuwdorp: Advisory Panel; Self; Caelus health. C.B. Verchere: Advisory Panel; Self; Sirona Biochem. Board Member; Self; Integrated Nanotherapeutics. D.H. van Raalte: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Sanofi. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Sanofi. Funding AstraZeneca Nederland BV

Hypothesis: Glucocorticoids (GCs) induce osteoporosis predominantly by inhibiting osteoblast activity. We hypothesised that osteoblastic factors could also be linked to GC-induced adverse metabolic effects. Methods: We performed a post-hoc analysis of a randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind, dose-response intervention study involving 32 healthy males (age: 22 ± 3 years; BMI 22.4 ± 1.7 kg/m2) who were allocated to prednisolone (PRED) 7.5 mg once daily (n = 12), PRED 30 mg once daily (n = 12), or placebo (n = 8) for two weeks using block randomisation. Mean outcomes measures included osteocalcin, N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP) and their relation to glucose and lipid metabolism, measured by stable isotopes, before and at 2 weeks of treatment, in the fasted state and during a two-step hyperinsulinaemic clamp. Results: Osteocalcin and P1NP concentrations were dose-dependently decreased by PRED treatment (p < 0.001 both). PRED dosages dose-dependently reduced sensitivity of the liver and skeletal muscle for insulin (p < 0.001 both) and impaired suppression of lipolysis mediated by insulin (p < 0.01). In multivariate analyses, GC-induced changes in osteocalcin concentrations related to reduces hepatic insulin sensitivity (β = −0.315; p = 0.044). In addition, GC-induced changes in P1NP were negatively related to changes in insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production (r = −0.582; p = 0.001), and were positively related to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (r = 0.638; p < 0.001). Finally, changes in PN1P were negatively related to changes in fasting hypertriglyceridemia (r = −0.499; p = 0.004) and insulin-induced suppression of lipolysis rates (r = −0.494; p = 0.006). Conclusion: GC treatment alters osteoblastic function which is associated with several adverse metabolic effects of GC treatment. Future causal studies are needed to assess the specific mediator(s) by which the osteoblast alters intermediary metabolism. Clinical Trial Registration Number: ISRCTN83991850.

Diabetic kidney disease not only has become the leading cause for ESRD worldwide but also, highly contributes to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes. Despite increased efforts to optimize renal and cardiovascular risk factors, like hyperglycemia, hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia, they are often insufficiently controlled in clinical practice. Although current drug interventions mostly target a single risk factor, more substantial improvements of renal and cardiovascular outcomes can be expected when multiple factors are improved simultaneously. Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 in the renal proximal tubule reabsorbs approximately 90% of filtered glucose. In type 2 diabetes, the maladaptive upregulation of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 contributes to the maintenance of hyperglycemia. Inhibiting these transporters has been shown to effectively improve glycemic control through inducing glycosuria and is generally well tolerated, although patients experience more genital infections. In addition, sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors favorably affect body weight, BP, serum uric acid, and glomerular hyperfiltration. Interestingly, in the recently reported first cardiovascular safety trial with a sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor, empagliflozin improved both renal and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. Because the benefits were seen rapidly after initiation of therapy and other glucose-lowering agents, with the exception of liraglutide and semaglutide, have not been able to improve cardiovascular outcome, these observations are most likely explained by effects beyond glucose lowering. In this mini review, we present the drug class of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors, elaborate on currently available renal and cardiovascular outcome data, and discuss how the effects of these agents on renal physiology may explain the data.