Why carry out this study?

The association between sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and the risk of urogenital infections remains controversial.

This study aimed to investigate the association between SGLT2 inhibitors and the incidence of perineal soft tissue infections, including Fournier's gangrene (FG), genital bacterial infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), based on administrative claims data from Japan.

What was learned from the study?

The use of SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with a lower risk of UTIs and a higher risk of genital bacterial infections compared to DPP-4 inhibitors; however, no significant association was observed with perineal soft tissue infections.

This study contributes to the ongoing debate regarding the safety profile of SGLT2 inhibitors and helps people with type 2 diabetes choose the most appropriate antidiabetic medication.