Nearly 1 in 3 Patients Stop SGLT2 Inhibitors Within a Year

Original Article: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/nearly-1-3-stop-sglt2-inhibitors-within-year-real-world-2026a10011ob

The Study

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. In addition to lowering blood sugar, these drugs can help protect the heart and kidneys in certain patients. However, their benefits depend partly on patients continuing treatment as prescribed. A real-world study examined how often patients stopped taking SGLT2 inhibitors within the first year, highlighting a potential challenge in maintaining long-term diabetes care.

What Researchers Found

A large real-world study found that approximately 28% of SGLT2 inhibitor users discontinued treatment within one year, using a definition that counted a gap of 90 days without treatment as discontinuation.

Other research has found that discontinuation is particularly common among people with chronic kidney disease and those who have recently been hospitalized. Treatment interruptions may prevent patients from receiving the full, long-term benefits of these medications.

Why This Matters

SGLT2 inhibitors can help protect against heart and kidney complications, so understanding why patients stop taking them is important. Side effects, infections, hospitalization, and difficulties maintaining treatment may contribute to interruptions. Healthcare professionals can help by discussing concerns with patients, managing side effects, and reviewing whether treatment should be resumed when appropriate.

The Takeaway

Real-world evidence suggests that roughly one-quarter to one-third of patients may stop SGLT2 inhibitor treatment within a year, although rates depend on the population studied and how discontinuation is defined. Improving follow-up and addressing barriers to continued treatment may help more patients benefit from these medications.