Sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor‐induced diabetic ketoacidosis following tooth extraction: improving awareness among dental practitioners

Sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2i) are a relatively new class of oral glucose lowering agents that improve glycaemic control and also provide significant cardiac and renal benefits. However, SGLT‐2i use is associated with a small but significant increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) especially during periods of reduced oral intake such as following dental procedures, bowel preparation for colonoscopy, surgery and concurrent illness. In contrast with typical DKA, in many cases of SGLT2i‐associated DKA, the blood glucose is normal or only slightly elevated, giving rise to the term euglycaemic DKA (euDKA). Patients with euDKA often present with non‐specific symptoms. Moreover, their normal or only mildly elevated blood glucose levels might lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment and hence potentially life‐threatening complications. Not only should patients taking an SGLT‐2i be informed about the risk of euDKA, and be provided with SGLT‐2i sick day management education, but clinicians should also be alert to this diagnosis.