When you hear SGLT2 inhibitors, a class of diabetes drugs that also reduce blood pressure by making the kidneys remove more sugar and salt through urine. Also known as gliflozins, they’re not just for diabetes—they’re now a go-to option for people with high blood pressure, especially if they also have heart or kidney issues. These drugs don’t just lower sugar levels. They pull excess glucose out of your blood through your kidneys, and in the process, they flush out sodium and water too. That’s why blood pressure drops—naturally, without the dizziness or fatigue you get from some other meds.
SGLT2 inhibitors like empagliflozin, a drug proven to cut heart failure hospitalizations and slow kidney decline in people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure and canagliflozin, another SGLT2 inhibitor shown to reduce cardiovascular events in high-risk patients are used daily by millions. They’re often prescribed when statins, ACE inhibitors, or diuretics aren’t enough—or when someone needs to manage multiple conditions at once. Unlike beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, they don’t slow your heart or cause swelling. Instead, they work with your body’s own filtration system.
But they’re not magic. You need to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, especially when standing up. Some people get yeast infections or urinary tract issues because sugar in the urine creates a nice environment for bugs. And while they help your kidneys, they can also cause a temporary dip in kidney function at first—something your doctor will monitor with simple blood tests. If you’re over 65, have low blood pressure, or take diuretics, your dose might need adjusting.
The real win? These drugs don’t just treat symptoms—they change outcomes. Studies show people on SGLT2 inhibitors live longer, spend less time in the hospital, and keep their kidneys working longer. That’s why guidelines now recommend them for people with high blood pressure and heart or kidney disease—even if they don’t have diabetes.
Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people managing these drugs daily. From how to handle side effects to what lab tests matter most, these posts cut through the noise and give you what actually works.
SGLT2 inhibitors help lower blood sugar and protect the heart, but they can cause dehydration, dizziness, and lower blood pressure. Learn how these side effects happen and how to manage them safely.
