Scientists issue warning over common diabetes drugs that could trigger life-threatening 'attack'

Scientists have issued a warning about a commonly prescribed diabetes drug due to concerns that it can cause a life-threatening complication.

According to research published by Sweden's Karolinska Institutet, a drug group known as SGLT2 inhibitors can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in some type 2 diabetes patients.

Also referred to as a 'diabetic attack,' DKA is a life-threatening emergency caused by a lack of insulin in a person's body.

This causes substances known as ketones - chemicals made by the liver when it breaks down fats - to build up in the blood, a condition which becomes fatal without prompt medical intervention.

Symptoms of DKA include extreme thirst, frequent urination, 'fruity' smelling breath, confusion and stomach pain.

Left untreated, the condition leads to loss of consciousness, multiple organ failure and death.

SGLT2 inhibitors are a drug family which includes Dapagliflozin, Canagliflozin, Empagliflozin and Ertugliflozin (Getty Stock Images)

What are SGLT2 inhibitors?

Diabetes UK describes SGLT2 inhibitors as a type of drug which is used to manage a person's blood sugar levels by removing excess glucose from the kidneys and passing it through urination.

The drugs can also help ease symptoms caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure. Prescriptions for SGLT2 inhibitors issued in the UK include once-daily tablets such as Dapagliflozin (Forxiga), Canagliflozin (Invokana), Empagliflozin (Jardiance) and Ertugliflozin (Steglatro).

Of the 4.6 million Brits living with type 2 diabetes, it's estimated that roughly one million are currently taking the medication.

SGLT2 inhibitors and diabetic ketoacidosis

The research published by the Karolinska Institutet analysed health records of 280,000 patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with SGLT2 inhibitors, finding that patients with a low body weight and low blood sugar were most at risk of developing the complication.

It's believed that around 10 percent of type 2 diabetes patients fall into this category.

Around 4.6 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes (Getty Stock Images)

Meanwhile, a separate study conducted by Imperial College London discovered that cases of DKA had increased by 81 percent between 2015 and 2023. Deaths from the condition are also believed to be on the rise.

Despite the complications outlined in the report, researchers insisted that this didn't mean SGLT2 inhibitors were themselves dangerous.

"SGLT2 inhibitors provide medical benefits for many patients," Peter Ueda, assistant professor at the Department of Medicine at the Karolinska Institute, said.

"Our findings are not primarily about avoiding treatment, but about improving our ability to identify high-risk patients and use these medicines more safely."

Patients currently taking SGLT2 inhibitors are advised to discuss any concerns with their doctor before stopping the medication.