Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, a newer class of drugs used to manage diabetes, have recently been linked to a rare but serious infection called Fournier gangrene.
This infection affects areas of the body like the external genitalia, perineum (the area between the genitals and anus), and the perianal region. Fournier gangrene is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
A recent study conducted by researchers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) looked into the health risks associated with SGLT2 inhibitors compared to other diabetes medications.
The research team analyzed data on several diabetes treatments, including metformin, insulin glargine, short-acting insulin, sitagliptin plus metformin, and dulaglutide.
Between March 1, 2013, and January 31, 2019, the researchers identified 55 cases of Fournier gangrene in patients who were taking SGLT2 inhibitors. The ages of these patients ranged from 33 to 87, with 39 of the cases involving men and 16 involving women.
The time it took for the infection to appear after starting the medication varied significantly, with some cases occurring as early as five days and others as late as 49 months after beginning treatment.
In addition to Fournier gangrene, these patients also experienced other serious complications common in diabetes, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (a dangerous build-up of acid in the blood), sepsis, and kidney damage.
When comparing these findings to patients taking other diabetes drugs over a much longer period, from 1984 to 2019, the researchers found only 19 cases of Fournier gangrene.
This suggests that the risk of developing this infection may be higher in patients using SGLT2 inhibitors than in those taking older medications.
Fournier gangrene is a newly recognized safety concern for patients using SGLT2 inhibitors, according to the research team.
Given the seriousness of this condition, doctors prescribing these medications are urged to be aware of this potential complication and to monitor patients closely for any early signs of infection. Early detection is critical, as timely treatment can prevent the infection from worsening.
The study was led by Susan J. Bersoff-Matcha and her team and was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. This research highlights the importance of carefully considering the risks and benefits of newer diabetes treatments and staying vigilant about potential side effects.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that pomace olive oil could help lower blood cholesterol, and honey could help control blood sugar.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing eggs in a plant-based diet may benefit people with type 2 diabetes.
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