Frequency of Urinary Tract Infections among the Patients of Type-II Diabetes Mellitus taking Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2 inhibitor), Attending the Out-Patient Department, Government General Hospital, Samanabad, Faisalabad

Frequency of UTI among Type-II Diabetics Taking SGLT-2 Inhibitors

Abstract

Background: Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are medications commonly used to treat Type II Diabetes mellitus. Their primary action is to inhibit the Sodium Glucose Co-transporter 2 protein. Due to their glycosuric effect, these drugs are associated with recurrent urinary tract infections and normoglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Objective: To assess the frequency of urinary tract infections among patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus taking SGLT-2 inhibitors. Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Settings: outpatient department of Government General Hospital, Samanabad, Faisalabad Pakistan. Duration: 6 months, from 12-01-2025 to 12-07-2025. Methods: We enrolled 138 patients based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. After starting SGLT-2 inhibitors during the first month, patients were monitored for urinary tract infections. Diagnosis was made using signs, symptoms, and a complete urine examination. Data collected included age, gender, HbA1c levels, and presence of urinary tract infection signs or symptoms. We calculated frequencies, percentages, and analyzed data using the chi-square test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 138 patients, only 11 patients reported having Urinary Tract Infections (7.97%). Out of 11 patients, 10 were female and only one was male. Conclusion: This study found a 7.97% incidence of UTIs in T2DM patients initiated on SGLT-2 inhibitors, with a significantly higher risk observed in female patients. These findings highlight the importance of patient counseling and monitoring for UTIs, particularly in women, when prescribing this class of medication.