Discovery of Natural SGLT2-Inhibitors for Type 2 Diabetes – Possible Way to Reduce Side Effects

Abstract

The number of patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in all over the world has risen ominously in the past few decades, in which majority of cases belongs to type 2 diabetes. Previously, type 2 diabetes was known as adult-onset and noninsulin-dependent but now it can be seen at any stage including childhood. Various recent researches revealed that type 2 diabetes can be treated by inhibiting sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), a protein which facilitates glucose reabsorption in the kidney. SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce the blood sugar level by blocking reabsorption of glucose in the kidney and increasing glucose excretion. In the past couple of years, many SGLT2 inhibitors have been discovered but owing to serious side effects, their use is completely banned. Hence, the discovery of natural SGLT2 inhibitors can be helpful in treating type 2 diabetes without any adverse effects.