Which anti-diabetic medication class includes canagliflozin as an example?

Which anti-diabetic medication class includes canagliflozin as an example?

• A. DPP-4 inhibitors
• B. GLP-1 receptor agonists
• C. SGLT-2 inhibitors
• D. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

Answer: (C)

This item tests identifying a drug by its mechanism of action. Canagliflozin is an SGLT-2 inhibitor. It blocks the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 in the kidney’s proximal tubule, which reduces reabsorption of filtered glucose and increases urinary glucose excretion. This insulin-independent mechanism lowers blood glucose and defines the SGLT-2 inhibitor class. Other classes act in different ways: DPP-4 inhibitors prolong incretin effects to boost glucose-dependent insulin release; GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic incretin activity on the GLP-1 receptor; and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors delay carbohydrate absorption in the gut. Therefore, canagliflozin belongs to SGLT-2 inhibitors. Common teammates in this class include dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and ertugliflozin.

This item tests identifying a drug by its mechanism of action. Canagliflozin is an SGLT-2 inhibitor. It blocks the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 in the kidney’s proximal tubule, which reduces reabsorption of filtered glucose and increases urinary glucose excretion. This insulin-independent mechanism lowers blood glucose and defines the SGLT-2 inhibitor class.

Other classes act in different ways: DPP-4 inhibitors prolong incretin effects to boost glucose-dependent insulin release; GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic incretin activity on the GLP-1 receptor; and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors delay carbohydrate absorption in the gut. Therefore, canagliflozin belongs to SGLT-2 inhibitors. Common teammates in this class include dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and ertugliflozin.