Work

Mechanisms and Research Progress of SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Diabetes Mellitus-Related Cognitive Impairment

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) increases the risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia, severely impacting patients' quality of life and long-term future prospects. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), a class of oral hypoglycemic drugs, have recently been shown to have neuroprotective effects. Studies show that SGLT-2i ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in diabetic animal models through various mechanisms such as insulin pathways in the brain, cerebrovascular dysfuntion, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, inhibition of Alzheimer's disease pathology, and neurotrophic factor expression. Clinical studies also show that SGLT-2i improves cognitive performance in diabetic patients, significantly reducing the risk of dementia and MCI. Despite the promising role of SGLT-2i in preventing and treating DM-related cognitive impairment, further studies and more robust clinical evidence are needed for its clinical application.

Source: Current Diabetes Reviews

DOI: 10.2174/0115733998444053260211052025

Authors: Yutong Li, Murong Xu, Ying Tang, Xiaotong Zhao, Mingwei Chen

Institutions: Anhui Medical University, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes Treatment and Management

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7140276753