When you take gliflozins, a class of diabetes drugs that help the kidneys remove sugar through urine. Also known as SGLT2 inhibitors, they’re used to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and sometimes for heart or kidney protection. But like all medications, they come with real, documented risks you can’t ignore. Gliflozins work by blocking a kidney protein that normally reabsorbs glucose, forcing extra sugar out in your pee. That sounds harmless — until you realize your body is losing more than just sugar.
The most common issue? urinary tract infections, infections caused by bacteria thriving in sugar-rich urine. Women are especially at risk, and symptoms like burning, frequent urination, or cloudy urine shouldn’t be brushed off. Then there’s diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous buildup of acids in the blood, even when blood sugar isn’t sky-high. It’s rare, but it can happen without warning — especially if you’re sick, dehydrated, or cutting carbs too hard. And yes, dehydration, a direct result of increased urination is a real concern. You might feel dizzy, dry-mouthed, or unusually tired — not just from heat or coffee, but from the drug itself.
Some people develop genital yeast infections because yeast loves sugar. Others report muscle pain or weakness — signs that could point to something more serious like rhabdomyolysis. Even bone fractures have shown up in studies, especially in older adults. And if you’re on diuretics or have low blood pressure, gliflozins can push you over the edge into dangerous drops in blood pressure.
These aren’t theoretical risks. They’re listed in FDA labels and reported in clinics. People stop taking gliflozins not because they don’t work — they often lower A1c well — but because the side effects become too much to live with. You might think, "My doctor said it’s safe," but safety isn’t the same as risk-free. It’s about weighing trade-offs.
Below, you’ll find real-world stories and data from people who’ve dealt with these side effects firsthand. Some switched meds after a yeast infection that wouldn’t go away. Others had ketoacidosis and didn’t realize it until they were in the ER. A few found their kidney function improved — but only after stopping the drug. This isn’t about scaring you. It’s about giving you the facts so you can ask better questions, recognize warning signs early, and decide what’s right for your body.
SGLT2 inhibitors help lower blood sugar, protect the heart, and slow kidney disease - but they can cause dehydration, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Learn who’s at risk and how to manage these side effects safely.