The sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) is expressed primarily in the kidneys 
and is involved in the reabsorption of filtered glucose in the renal tubule. 
Clinical trials of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus 
demonstrate a significant clinical effect in decreasing serum glucose, 
hemoglobin A1C, body weight, systolic blood pressure, improving β-cell function, 
and minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia. This report reviews the potentially 
beneficial effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus, specifically 
focusing on canagliflozin, the only SGLT2 inhibitor approved for use in the 
United States.