What is the primary action of SGLT2 inhibitors?

What is the primary action of SGLT2 inhibitors?

• A. Increase hepatic glucose production
• B. Delay gastric emptying
• C. Stimulate insulin secretion
• D. Inhibit renal glucose reabsorption

Answer: (D)

SGLT2 inhibitors work by blocking glucose reabsorption in the kidney’s proximal tubule, which causes more glucose to be excreted in the urine (glycosuria) and lowers blood glucose levels. This action is independent of insulin secretion, so it can help control glucose even when pancreatic beta-cell function is limited. The other ideas don’t fit: increasing hepatic glucose production would raise blood sugar; delaying gastric emptying is a feature of other drug classes like GLP-1 agonists; stimulating insulin secretion is the function of secretagogues, not SGLT2 inhibitors.

SGLT2 inhibitors work by blocking glucose reabsorption in the kidney’s proximal tubule, which causes more glucose to be excreted in the urine (glycosuria) and lowers blood glucose levels. This action is independent of insulin secretion, so it can help control glucose even when pancreatic beta-cell function is limited. The other ideas don’t fit: increasing hepatic glucose production would raise blood sugar; delaying gastric emptying is a feature of other drug classes like GLP-1 agonists; stimulating insulin secretion is the function of secretagogues, not SGLT2 inhibitors.