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What are the Benefits of Jardiance?

Friday 4 February 2022
Jardiance
5 minute(s) read
Dr.Stanley Zaslau

Medically reviewed by

Dr Stanley Zaslau, MD

on 7 September 2022


Table of Contents


I. Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

II. How does Jardiance work?

III. Cardiovascular Benefits

IV. Kidney Benefits

V. Blood Sugar Benefits

VI. Blood Pressure Benefits


What is type 2 diabetes?

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a prescription medication used to manage high blood sugar levels in those patients with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when there is a poor use of glucose in the bloodstream. Sugar can remain in the blood when it is not converted into energy for the cells to use. Over time, sugar circulating in the bloodstream can impact the circulatory, immune, and nervous systems.

In a healthy body, the pancreas produces a hormone known as insulin that helps glucose enter the cells. With type 2 diabetes, two insulin-related complications may occur. Firstly, the pancreas may fail to produce enough insulin to convert glucose into fuel. Secondly, the pancreas may produce enough insulin, but the body becomes resistant and responds poorly to insulin. Both of these complications cause the body to use less sugar as energy, so more sugar remains in the bloodstream.

Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes because it was more common in older adults than in children. However, obesity rates in children have increased in recent years. Now, type 2 diabetes is common in children and adults. Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually, and you may start to experience symptoms like:

  • Increased thirst and hunger
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent infections
  • Slow healing
  • Darkened skin around the armpits and neck
  • Numbness in the hands or feet

a man feeling tired

The good news is that type 2 diabetes is manageable with the right treatment plan, diet changes, and exercise. In some cases, type 2 diabetes is even reversible. It is important to control blood sugar to improve type 2 diabetes, and medications like Jardiance can help. Read on to learn more about Jardiance and its benefits today.

How does Jardiance work?

Jardiance is an FDA-approved type 2 diabetes medication [4]. It is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. Jardiance helps control blood sugar levels by blocking the reabsorption of glucose by the kidneys. This increases glucose excretion when you urinate, lowering blood sugar in the process.

Jardiance is taken orally, with or without food. Before taking Jardiance, it is important to know its potential side effects and drug interactions. For example, frequent urination, light-headedness, or dizziness may occur. Jardiance may also increase your risk of a urinary tract infection. Contact your physician if you experience unusual tiredness, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, or abdominal pain. If you are concerned about the side effects of Jardiance, discuss whether the benefits outweigh the risks with your doctor.

Jardiance cardiovascular benefits

High blood sugar can often lead to coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy, which makes type 2 diabetes patients more at risk of these heart-related complications. Jardiance may have certain cardiovascular benefits in addition to controlling blood sugar levels. In a large empagliflozin study that observed more than 7000 patients over an average of three years, type 2 diabetes patients who were at risk for cardiovascular diseases had a lower rate of heart-related death when they received empagliflozin. [1]

a plastic model of the lungs

Jardiance and kidney disease

Diabetes is a major risk factor for kidney disease. When you have type 2 diabetes, the small blood vessels in the kidneys can become injured, causing kidney damage. When the kidneys are impaired, they cannot clean the blood properly. As a result, you will become more at risk of weight gain and swelling because your body will retain more salt and water. The kidney also filters waste from the body. Waste buildup inside the body can cause blood electrolyte problems and confusion. Kidney problems can also lead to the need for dialysis.

In addition to protecting the heart, Jardiance can also protect the kidneys. Studies show that empagliflozin can reduce the risk of new or worsening kidney disease by 39 percent in patients with type 2 diabetes who also had heart disease. [2]

Blood Sugar Benefits

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is defined as a blood sugar reading below 70 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia needs to be treated promptly to avoid complications such as slurred speech, seizures, and death. Early warning signs of low blood sugar include confusion, shakiness, hunger, and a fast heartbeat. In type 2 diabetes patients, hypoglycemia may occur if you do not consume enough calories. Certain medications may also cause low blood sugar.

Jardiance may carry a lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to many other medications for type 2 diabetes. Jardiance works independently of insulin, whereas most other types of 2 diabetes drugs affect the insulin levels in the body. Jardiance affects how much glucose is expelled through urination, so this medication carries a low risk of hypoglycemia.

In some patients, Jardiance can aid in weight loss as well. This is beneficial in some patients but not in those who are not trying to lose weight. If you experience a warning sign of low blood pressure, raise your blood sugar by quickly consuming simple sugars such as fruit juice.

a cup of fruit juice

Blood Pressure Benefits

Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) over time. This is because high blood sugar can gradually cause the walls of the blood vessels to stiffen. This increases pressure and leads to hypertension. Studies show that empagliflozin can reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness. [3] In addition to taking Jardiance, limiting salt intake and eating a healthy diet with fresh fruits, fish, healthy fats, and whole grains can reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a popular type 2 diabetes medication that can effectively control blood sugar levels. Like any medication, Jardiance may not be right for everyone. Your doctor can tell you more about Jardiance side effects. Talk to your doctor today about whether Jardiance is right for you. To buy Jardiance, visit Canada Pharmacy Depot today.

The content provided in this article is based on thorough research and in some cases, reviewed by a medical professional. Our goal for the information is to provide helpful, general health informational. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.