In addition to lowering blood glucose, what other benefits do SGLT2 inhibitors provide?

SGLT2 inhibitors, primarily used in the management of type 2 diabetes, offer several important benefits beyond their primary function of lowering blood glucose levels. One key benefit is their positive impact on cardiovascular health. Clinical studies have demonstrated that these medications can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in patients with diabetes who also have existing cardiovascular disease or at high risk for it.

Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors provide renal benefits by slowing the progression of kidney disease, particularly in diabetic patients. They have been shown to decrease the risk of end-stage renal disease and have protective effects on kidney function, which is crucial given the high prevalence of diabetes-related kidney complications.

These cardiac and renal protections make SGLT2 inhibitors a vital component of comprehensive diabetes management, addressing multiple aspects of health in patients who often face various complications associated with both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Thus, the selection of this answer reflects an understanding of the broader therapeutic advantages provided by SGLT2 inhibitors beyond their glucose-lowering effect.