SGLT2 inhibitors are an oral pharmaceutical product widely used to treat type 2 diabetes. SGLT2 inhibitors are also used as a treatment in addition to insulin therapy.
SGLT2 inhibitors prevent the absorption of glucose from the kidneys back to blood, which in turn increases the secretion of glucose to urine and lowers blood sugar. They may contribute to the production of ketones and expose to ketoacidosis, especially if the user has an insulin deficiency. Ketoacidosis may also occur without a significant increase in the blood sugar level because the drug removes extra sugar into urine.
If you use SGLT2 inhibitors, you have a higher risk of ketoacidosis if you contract an inflammatory disease or if your need for insulin suddenly increases for some other reason, for example if the delivery of insulin from an insulin pump is interrupted, you forget to inject insulin or the ketone level increases due to a low amount of carbohydrates. A long sporting performance, such as running a marathon, or consuming copious amounts of alcohol may be reason enough to temporarily stop taking the drug.