SGLT2 inhibitor + DPP-4 inhibitor

SGLT2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors are two distinct classes of oral antidiabetic drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. SGLT2 inhibitors (such as canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, ertugliflozin) act by inhibiting the sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) in the kidney, reducing glucose reabsorption and promoting glucosuria to lower blood glucose levels independently of insulin secretion or sensitivity[6][3]. DPP-4 inhibitors (such as sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, alogliptin) inhibit the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 which degrades incretin hormones like GLP-1 and GIP; this increases endogenous incretin activity to enhance insulin secretion and suppress glucagon release after meals[1][4]. The combination therapy leverages complementary mechanisms—SGLT2 inhibition reduces plasma glucose via renal excretion while DPP-4 inhibition enhances pancreatic insulin response—resulting in additive glycemic control without increased risk of hypoglycemia or weight gain. This fixed-dose combination is approved for type 2 diabetes treatment and has demonstrated cardiovascular safety with potential cardiorenal benefits[8][5][2].

Brand names

GlyxambiQternSteglujan

Other names

SGLT2i + DPP-4isodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor plus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor