GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors: what to know

GLP-1 receptor agonists act like a natural gut hormone: they help the pancreas release insulin when glucose is raised, slow stomach emptying, and can reduce appetite. SGLT2 inhibitors work through the kidneys by helping extra glucose leave the body in urine. The choice depends on your glucose pattern, kidney function, heart health, weight goals, other medicines, and personal preferences.

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and do not combine, stop, or switch treatments without a clinician’s advice. Tell your care team about vomiting, reduced food or fluid intake, urinary symptoms, genital irritation, or medicines that can affect hydration. Ask whether you need a sick-day plan, glucose checks, and advice before surgery or prolonged fasting. A treatment review can check whether the medicine is helping without troublesome effects.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, marked weakness, confusion, difficulty breathing, or severe abdominal pain. Contact a clinician promptly for signs of dehydration, a painful urinary infection, or genital swelling or discharge. Low glucose is more likely when these medicines are used with insulin or certain other diabetes medicines, so follow your personalised action plan.

Ask which medicine matches your kidney function and cardiovascular history, what benefits are expected, how to take it during illness, and which symptoms require a same-day call. Clarify whether another glucose-lowering medicine should be adjusted and how follow-up will assess your response.