SGLT2 inhibitors as standard medication for at-risk patients

Cardiovascular events are the most frequent cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease. The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin in addition to standard of care medication reduces albuminuria, decelerates decline of the glomerular filtration rate, and reduces cardiovascular death. Its pleiotropic, cardio- and renoprotective effects improve expectancy and quality of life and reduce health care costs. The non-glycemic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors and improvement of clinical outcomes are independent of renal function and persist in chronic kidney disease at glomerular filtration rate < 45ml/min/1.73m(2).