Here’s what we’ll cover in this blog post:
- How do SGLT2 Inhibitors work?
- Do all SGLT2 Inhibitors work the same way?
- What are the longevity benefits of SGLT2 Inhibitors?
If you’ve heard of SGLT2 Inhibitors, you’ve likely heard that they’re among the most effective medications for lowering blood sugar levels. But medications like Invokana® and Brenzavvy® do way more than just lower blood sugar. In fact, Invokana® is one of the few medications shown to extend healthy lifespan in mice, emerging as a promising longevity intervention.
But how do SGLT2 Inhibitors work? What’s the secret behind their dual potential for glucose and longevity, and are all SGLT2 Inhibitors made alike? Here, we’ll uncover the science behind SGLT2 Inhibitors and show how these medications could have potential benefits far beyond blood sugar control alone.
How Do SGLT2 Inhibitors Work?
SGLT2 Inhibitors are a class of medications that help flush out excess glucose in urine. In other words, these medications may clear an extra 50-80g of sugar from the blood each day, just by doing what we do naturally.
Short for sodium-glucose co-transporter-2, SGLT2 is a protein in the kidneys that plays a big role in regulating blood sugar. Normally, kidneys filter glucose out of blood, then reabsorb it back into the system so it’s not lost in urine.
SGLT2 is the main transporter responsible for this reabsorption, acting like a straw that brings glucose back into our bloodstream. SGLT2 Inhibitors plug the straw, allowing us to flush all that glucose from the body.
Do All SGLT2 Inhibitors Work the Same Way?
Yes, but not exactly.
All SGLT2 Inhibitors share the same primary mechanism of action: flushing excess glucose through urine. But how each SGLT2 medication does this is slightly different. The main difference is how much each medication interacts with not just SGLT2, but also SGLT1.
SGLT1 works similarly to SGLT2, controlling glucose reabsorption in the intestine. Some SGLT2 Inhibitors affect both proteins to varying degrees, while others barely affect SGLT1 at all.
For example Invokana® (Canagliflozin) has the lowest affinity for SGLT2 Inhibitors, affecting both SGLT1 and SGLT2. On the other hand, empagliflozin is highly selective of SGLT2, with minimal impact on SGLT1. Brenzavvy® is one of the newest SGLT2 Inhibitors (FDA approved in 2023), but early research suggests that it works similarly to Invokana®.
At the end of the day, all SGLT2 Inhibitors achieve the same primary benefit: lowering glucose levels. But how they achieve that may be different, potentially leading to expanded benefits beyond blood sugar control.
What Are the Benefits of SGLT2 Inhibitors?
Some studies suggest that additional SGLT1 inhibition might contribute to additional longevity benefits. Invokana®, which selectively inhibits SGLT1, could encourage these additional benefits, which may explain why it’s among the few medications shown to extend lifespan in mice.
Here are what studies show could be potential longevity benefits of SGLT2 Inhibitors like Invokana:
- Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress
- Improved cardiovascular and kidney health
- Lower risk of dementia and Parkinson’s
- Moderate weight loss (2-4%)
- Less senescent “zombie” cells
SGLT1 is responsible for absorbing most of the glucose from in the intestine, while SGLT2 handles most glucose from the kidneys. Affecting both proteins provides a dual strategy that more effectively lowers glucose, allowing SGLT2 Inhibitors like Invokana to create a steady caloric deficit that may burn an extra 360kcal per day. This essentially mimics the effects of caloric restriction, one of the most promising longevity therapies to date.
How SGLT2 Inhibitors Affect Longevity
Between heart health, inflammation, and zombie cells, SGLT2 Inhibitors may affect many of the major drivers of age-related disease and biological aging.
It all ties back to lowering glucose levels: by helping the body flush excess glucose, these medications ease the strain on metabolic systems, slowing many of the drivers that reduce our lifespan and healthspan down the line.
Research continues to show that this class of medications offers huge potential for long-term health. But you don’t have to wait for healthcare to catch up to the science. If you’re interested in exploring Invokana® or Brenzavvy®, you can get started with a free medical review from a licensed prescriber to see if SGLT2 Inhibitors are right for you.
With ongoing medical support, science-backed care, and tailored treatment options at your side, you’ll have all the tools you need to take control of your health and add years to your life. And it all starts with AgelessRx.
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.