Nisha Pandey

Scientists Warn Common Diabetes Drug Taken By Millions Could Cause Life-Threatening 'Diabetic Attack'

A type of common <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">diabetes</a> drugs prescribed to millions of diabetics has hidden, life-threatening complications, especially among those with certain risk factors.

The findings are based on a new study published in The Lancet <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">Diabetes</a> &amp; Endocrinology. It studied nearly 280,000 people with type 2 diabetes treated with SGLT2 inhibitors, a class of drugs that includes dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, canagliflozin and ertugliflozin.

A research team from Karolinska Institute found that some patients were more likely to develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) while taking these drugs.

The research comes after a study showed deaths from ketoacidosis are on the rise in the UK. Last year researchers from Imperial College London found ketoacidosis cases increased by a massive percentage of 81 per cent between 2015 and 2023.

<h2>What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis And What Are Its Warning Signs? </h2>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/when-common-health-conditions-tell-a-bigger-story-the-hidden-link-between-endometrial-cancer-and-metabolic-diseases-article-156017171" data-type="tilCustomLink">DKA</a> occurs when the body produces excessive amounts of ketones, making the blood dangerously acidic. It can become life-threatening if it is not treated promptly.

Its symptoms can include excessive thirst, urinating frequently, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and blurred vision. More serious warning signs include deep or unusual breathing, fruity breath, extreme tiredness, sleepiness, or confusion. 

Researchers said that developing an infection was the most common trigger of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/type-2-diabetes-affects-men-and-women-differently-new-plos-study-finds-article-156016115" data-type="tilCustomLink">ketoacidosis</a>. They also said that kidney problems, stroke and major surgery were also seen as triggers in patients who developed it.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/thailands-hiv-cases-cross-550000-in-2026-over-25000-among-1524s-article-156029147" data-type="tilCustomLink">Thailand’s HIV Cases Cross 550,000 In 2026; Over 25,000 Among 15–24s</a>

SGLT2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine. They are widely used in type 2 diabetes treatment as their benefits extend to the heart and kidneys as well. Some studies have also linked them to weight loss. 

However, these medicines can encourage the body to rely more heavily on fat for energy. This process can increase ketone production, increasing the risk of ketoacidosis in susceptible patients. 

The study found that the risk was particularly high among people who had previously experienced ketoacidosis, had high blood sugar, were underweight, or showed signs of malnutrition. 

Patients with a history of dangerously low <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/sweetener-in-sugar-free-gum-linked-to-57-higher-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk-what-is-xylitol-article-156012495" data-type="tilCustomLink">blood sugar</a> (hypoglycaemia) were also at increased risk.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/once-weekly-oral-combination-hiv-pill-shows-promise-as-alternative-to-daily-treatment-article-156028698" data-type="tilCustomLink">Once-Weekly Oral Combination HIV Pill Shows Promise As Alternative to Daily Treatment</a>

<h2>Greater Risk At The Beginning Of The Treatment </h2>

Isabgol for Constipation: Right Dosage, Best Time, How to Take It & Side Effects | Doctors Explain

While patients faced their greatest risk during the first few months after starting an SGLT2 inhibitor, researchers found that the risk persisted for as long as they continued taking the medicine. 

This finding is contradictory to previous research that has largely focused on ketoacidosis occurring soon after treatment begins. 

Peter Ueda, assistant professor at the Department of Medicine at the Karolinska Institute, said the findings should not be interpreted as a reason for patients to stop their medication. 

“<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/unapproved-weight-loss-drug-caused-hospitalisations-in-ireland-what-is-retatrutide-why-is-it-risky-article-155988158" data-type="tilCustomLink">SGLT2 inhibitors</a> provide medical benefits for many patients,” Ueda 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,” he added.

The findings can help doctors identify people who may need closer monitoring before and during treatment, particularly if they have previous ketoacidosis, are underweight or malnourished, or develop an infection.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

scientists-warn-common-diabetes-drug-taken-by-millions-could-cause-life-threatening-diabetic-attack

diabetes

diabetic ketoacidosis

ketoacidosis

dapagliflozin

empagliflozin

canagliflozin

ertugliflozin

type 2 diabetes

diabetes drugs

thailands-hiv-cases-cross-550000-in-2026-over-25000-among-15-24s

Thailand’s HIV Cases Cross 550,000 In 2026; Over 25,000 Among 15–24s

once-weekly-oral-combination-hiv-pill-shows-promise-as-alternative-to-daily-treatment

Once-Weekly Oral Combination HIV Pill Shows Promise As Alternative to Daily Treatment

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

A type of common diabetes drugs prescribed to millions of diabetics has hidden, life-threatening complications, especially among those with certain risk factors. The findings are based on a new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. It studied nearly 280,000 people with type 2 diabetes treated with SGLT2 inhibitors, a class of drugs that includes dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, canagliflozin and ertugliflozin. A research team from Karolinska Institute found that some patients were more likely to develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) while taking these drugs. The research comes after a study showed deaths from ketoacidosis are on the rise in the UK. Last year researchers from Imperial College London found ketoacidosis cases increased by a massive percentage of 81 per cent between 2015 and 2023. What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis And What Are Its Warning Signs? DKA occurs when the body produces excessive amounts of ketones, making the blood dangerously acidic. It can become life-threatening if it is not treated promptly. Its symptoms can include excessive thirst, urinating frequently, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and blurred vision. More serious warning signs include deep or unusual breathing, fruity breath, extreme tiredness, sleepiness, or confusion. Researchers said that developing an infection was the most common trigger of ketoacidosis. They also said that kidney problems, stroke and major surgery were also seen as triggers in patients who developed it.Also read: Thailand’s HIV Cases Cross 550,000 In 2026; Over 25,000 Among 15–24s What Are The Study's Findings? SGLT2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine. They are widely used in type 2 diabetes treatment as their benefits extend to the heart and kidneys as well. Some studies have also linked them to weight loss. However, these medicines can encourage the body to rely more heavily on fat for energy. This process can increase ketone production, increasing the risk of ketoacidosis in susceptible patients. The study found that the risk was particularly high among people who had previously experienced ketoacidosis, had high blood sugar, were underweight, or showed signs of malnutrition. Patients with a history of dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) were also at increased risk.Also read: Once-Weekly Oral Combination HIV Pill Shows Promise As Alternative to Daily Treatment Greater Risk At The Beginning Of The Treatment                While patients faced their greatest risk during the first few months after starting an SGLT2 inhibitor, researchers found that the risk persisted for as long as they continued taking the medicine. This finding is contradictory to previous research that has largely focused on ketoacidosis occurring soon after treatment begins. Peter Ueda, assistant professor at the Department of Medicine at the Karolinska Institute, said the findings should not be interpreted as a reason for patients to stop their medication. “SGLT2 inhibitors provide medical benefits for many patients,” Ueda 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,” he added. The findings can help doctors identify people who may need closer monitoring before and during treatment, particularly if they have previous ketoacidosis, are underweight or malnourished, or develop an infection.

scientists warn common diabetes drug taken by millions could cause life-threatening 'diabetic attack'

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Scientists Warn Common Diabetes Drug Taken By Millions Could Cause Life-Threatening 'Diabetic Attack'

Thailand’s HIV Cases Cross 550,000 In 2026; Over 25,000 Among 15–24s

Once-Weekly Oral Combination HIV Pill Shows Promise As Alternative to Daily Treatment

NYC Announces New Legionnaires’ Safety Measures After 11 Deaths In Upper East Side Outbreak

Health Conditions A-Z

Scientists Warn Common Diabetes Drug Taken By Millions Could Cause Life-Threatening 'Diabetic Attack'

Thailand’s HIV Cases Cross 550,000 In 2026; Over 25,000 Among 15–24s

Once-Weekly Oral Combination HIV Pill Shows Promise As Alternative to Daily Treatment