Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis With Prolonged Glucosuria Associated With the Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Canagliflozin

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve glycemic control by a reversible inhibition of the sodium-glucose cotransporters in the renal proximal tubules resulting in increased urinary glucose. This unique mechanism, independent of insulin secretion and beta cell function, has made this class of medication desirable in patients with type 2 diabetes. However in May 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a safety warning pertaining to the development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors. DKA associated with SGLT2 inhibitors frequently develops in the absence of hyperglycemia, which makes the diagnosis more challenging. Due to the reversible inhibition of SGLT2 by this class of medication, a quick recovery of glucosuria after cessation of medication is expected. In this article, we present a case of a 50-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes who developed euglycemic DKA after initiating therapy with canagliflozin. This case of DKA associated with SGLT2 inhibitor use was unique due to her hypoglycemic presentation and persistent glucosuria. SGLT2 inhibitors such as canagliflozin may predispose patients not only to diabetic ketoacidosis but also to prolonged glucosuria.

Model analysis of effect of canagliflozin (Invokana), a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, to alter plasma 1,5-anhydroglucitol

BACKGROUND

Renal reabsorption of 1,5-anhydroglucitol (AG) is competitively inhibited by elevated glucose and leads to depleted plasma AG in diabetes. Plasma AG recovery in diabetes normally correlates with improved glycemic control. However, use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (e.g., canagliflozin) to treat diabetes by inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption can negate this correlation, via an indirect effect (increase of renal filtrate glucose concentration) to inhibit AG reabsorption by sodium-glucose co-transporter 4 (SGLT4). Conversely, then, AG measurement might be useful as an independent marker for SGLT2 inhibitor activity.

METHODS

Using an AG mass balance model, we analyzed literature data on plasma AG before and after initiation of canagliflozin therapy (CT) to quantitatively characterize the effect of CT on AG reabsorption.

RESULTS

According to model calculations, modest decreases (<5%) in fractional reabsorption of AG account for the drastic decrease in [AG] observed during CT. Decreases are predicted to be rapid (t1/2<3days) after CT initiation.

CONCLUSION

CT negates the usual premise of AG measurement (that [AG] should increase with improved glycemic control). However, according to model calculations, a substantial and likely rapid effect of CT on [AG] means that AG measurement might provide an early marker for CT activity.

Canagliflozin-induced pancreatitis: a rare side effect of a new drug

Acute pancreatitis is most commonly attributed to gallstones, alcohol abuse, and metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia and hypercalcemia. Medications are an infrequent yet commonly overlooked etiology of pancreatitis. Although several drugs have been implicated, antidiabetic agents are a rare cause for drug-induced pancreatitis. Canagliflozin is a new drug in the class of SGLT-2 inhibitors used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Serious reported side effects include renal impairment, hyperkalemia, and hypotension. Pancreatitis as a result of canagliflozin, however, is exceedingly rare. Here we describe a case of a 33-year old female who presented with severe acute pancreatitis in the setting of recent initiation of canagliflozin. Given the timing of her presentation and after excluding all other possible etiologies, it was determined that canagliflozin was the likely source of her illness. This case highlights the importance of identifying drug-induced pancreatitis, especially in novel drugs, as it is commonly neglected in patients with multiple medical comorbidities and those taking numerous medications. Prompt identification of drug-induced pancreatitis can improve management as well as decrease morbidity and mortality in these individuals.

A clinical perspective of canagliflozin in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To assess the real-world efficacy and safety of the first sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, canagliflozin, in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

This observational study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of canagliflozin in T2DM patients. Primary study outcomes were changes in HbA1C and weight, and percentage of patients reporting adverse effects of therapy.

RESULTS

The study criteria were met by 111 patient records. Baseline patient characteristics were: average age, 59 ± 9 years; mean duration of T2DM, 11.9 ± 7.3 years; 57.6% of patients were male; 92.8% were Caucasian; baseline BMI, 38.9 ± 11 kg/m²; and mean baseline HbA1C, 7.53 (58.8 mmol/mol) ± 1.08%. HbA1C and weight were significantly reduced by 0.37% and 4.4 kg, respectively. Adverse effects were reported by 21 patients, and 17 (15.3%) discontinued canagliflozin because of adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION

Canagliflozin was generally well tolerated and significantly reduced HbA1C levels and body weight in patients with T2DM when added to a regimen of other anti-hyperglycemic agents.