A new class of diabetes drugs – SGLT 2 inhibitors could have a range of benefits for cardiovascular health.

With the support of a grant from the Diabetes Australia Research Trust Associate Professor Neale Cohen, from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, is trying to find new therapies to improve the health of people with diabetes.

SGLT2 inhibitors work by helping the kidneys lower blood glucose levels.

“Recent studies into SGLT2 inhibitors have found benefits to heart health, however at this stage we don’t really understand how those benefits work,” Associate Professor Cohen said.

“We want to understand how these drugs help the heart, and if they might have benefits for the heart over and above their ability to lower blood glucose levels.”