In their recent review, Cannarella et al. describe a number of advantages of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) beyond simple glycemic control, including important cardio-renal protective benefits [1]. A further beneficial effect of these drugs is an increase in hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [2]. Strikingly, in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, such increases in Hb and HCT proved to be the most important factors associated with empagliflozin’s beneficial effect on cardiovascular mortality [3].
