Clinical Efficacy, Mechanism of Action, and Adverse Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes – a Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.54.70481Keywords
type 2 diabetes mellitus, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, heart failure, chronic kidney diseaseAbstract
Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with a multifactorial background. Long-term persistent hyperglycemia leads to the development of cardiovascular and renal complications, significantly worsening patient prognosis. In recent years, new medications have been introduced to the market whose effects extend beyond glycemic control, such as SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists. In addition to their glucose-lowering effects, these drugs also show cardio- and nephroprotective properties. [1,2,3,4,5]
Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to review the literature on type 2 diabetes, its pathophysiology and complications, and also to present the mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy assessment, and safety of drugs from the SGLT2 inhibitor and GLP-1 receptor agonist groups.
Methods and materials: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database was conducted using key search terms.
Conclusions: SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists effectively reduce blood glucose levels and body weight in patients with T2DM, and their effects are not limited solely to glucose lowering. These drugs slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, reduce albuminuria, and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Despite adverse effects, their benefits outweigh the potential risks, making them an important component of modern T2DM therapy.
Key words: type 2 diabetes mellitus, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, heart failure, chronic kidney disease
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Copyright (c) 2026 Łukasz Starczewski, Damian Osiński, Zuzanna Kawa, Maria Kasprzak, Aleksandra Jędrzejewska, Aleksandra Jureczko, Klaudia Kleczaj, Julia Jaworowska, Gabriela Babiarz, Julia Kanarszczuk
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