In the last ten years, knowledge on pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) 
has significantly increased, with multiple failures (decreased incretin effect, 
increased lipolysis, increased glucagon secretion, neurotransmitters 
dysfunction) recognized as important contributors, together with decreased 
insulin secretion and reduced peripheral glucose uptake. As a consequence, the 
pharmacologic therapy of T2DM has been progressively enriched by several novel 
classes of drugs, trying to overcome these defects. The last, intriguing 
compounds come into the market are SGLT2 inhibitors, framing the kidney in a 
different scenario, not as site of a harmful disease complication, but rather as 
the means to correct hyperglycemia and fight the disease. This review aims to 
offer a short, updated overview of the role of these compounds in the treatment 
of T2DM, focusing on efficacy, ancillary albeit relevant clinical effects, 
safety, potential cardiovascular protection, positioning in common therapeutic 
algorithms.