The kidney plays a key role in glucose homeostasis and the pathophysiology of 
type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) 
inhibitors are a new class of antihyperglycemic agents for the treatment of T2DM 
with a novel insulin-independent mechanism of action that targets the kidney. 
The SGLT2 inhibitors decrease renal glucose reabsorption, thereby increasing 
urinary glucose excretion and lowering plasma glucose levels in patients with 
hyperglycemia. SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin has demonstrated efficacy in 
improving glycemic control and reducing body weight and blood pressure as 
monotherapy or as add-on to other antihyperglycemic agents across a broad range 
of patients with T2DM. Canagliflozin is generally well tolerated, with increased 
incidences of specific adverse events that are related to the mechanism of SGLT2 
inhibition. Findings suggest that canagliflozin is a useful treatment option for 
patients with T2DM.