How do SGLT2 inhibitors like Invokana, Farxiga, and Jardiance help reduce the risk of gout in addition to their benefits for kidney disease, heart disease, and obesity?

### How SGLT2 Inhibitors Help Reduce the Risk of Gout SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Invokana, Farxiga, and Jardiance, are a relatively new class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. These drugs help lower blood sugar levels by preventing glucose from being absorbed in the kidneys, causing excess glucose to be excreted through urine. This mechanism not only helps manage blood sugar levels but also offers additional benefits, including reducing the risk of kidney disease, heart disease, and obesity. A recent study has found that SGLT2 inhibitors may also lower the risk of gout, a painful type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints. The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, compared the incidence of gout in adults with type 2 diabetes who were prescribed either an SGLT2 inhibitor or a GLP1 receptor agonist, another class of diabetes medication. The results showed that those on SGLT2 inhibitors had a nearly 40% lower risk of developing gout compared to those on GLP1 agonists. The suspected reason behind this reduced risk is that SGLT2 inhibitors not only lower blood sugar levels but also increase the amount of uric acid excreted through urine. By reducing the serum uric acid levels, the likelihood of uric acid building up in the joints is also reduced, thereby lowering the risk of gout. While these findings are promising, further research is needed to confirm the long-term benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in reducing gout risk. Patients interested in these medications should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare providers. ### 参考文献 - Annals of Internal Medicine, January 2020 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Alliance for Gout Awareness