Use of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors such as canagliflozin and dapagliflozin have been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A PubMed search was conducted of the literature from April 1996 to August 2014 to identify all human studies related to SGLT2 inhibitors. Pertinent guidelines of experts and the prescribing information for canagliflozin and dapagliflozin are reviewed. SGLT2 inhibitors may be used as an add-on therapy in select and relatively healthy older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are overweight and have uncontrolled hypertension. These medications should be avoided in patients who are frail, who have chronic kidney disease, and in conjunction with insulin or sulfonylureas.