What is the mechanism of action of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors like empagliflozin?

SGLT2 inhibitors, such as empagliflozin, primarily function by reducing glucose reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule. This mechanism involves blocking the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2, which is responsible for the reabsorption of glucose from the urine back into the bloodstream. When this transporter is inhibited, less glucose is reabsorbed, leading to increased glucose excretion in the urine and subsequently lowered blood glucose levels.

By preventing the reabsorption of glucose, SGLT2 inhibitors help improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, contributing to better management of blood sugar levels. In addition to their glucose-lowering effects, they also lead to osmotic diuresis, which can result in a reduction of body weight and lower blood pressure in some patients.

The other choices refer to different mechanisms that are not applicable to SGLT2 inhibitors. For instance, stimulating insulin secretion pertains to medications like sulfonylureas, increasing hepatic glucose production involves drugs that affect liver metabolism, and enhancing glycogen storage relates to insulin action on muscle and liver cells. None of these mechanisms describe the action of SGLT2 inhibitors, making the correct answer about their ability to reduce glucose reabsorption the