Sodium-dependent glucose transporters 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), as a new hypoglycemic drugs, are associated with renal tubular reabsorption of glucose. In several large-scale clinical randomized controlled trials, SGLT2i decreased the incidence of end-stage renal disease and the demand for dialysis or transplantation due to kidney disease. Its renoprotective effect is far beyond its hypoglycemic effect. Considering that other drugs with stronger hypoglycemic effect have not gained similar benefits, SGLT2i obviously has a renal protective mechanism outside hypoglycemic effect, becoming the hot spot for clinical treatment and research field at present. In this paper, the relevant functions and mechanisms are reviewed.

sodium-dependent glucose transporters 2  /  SGLT2 inhibition  /  diabetic nephropathy  /  tubologlomerular feedback  /  hyperfiltration  /  albuminuria  /  inflammation  /  fibrosis