Diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability [1]. Approximately, more than 1.31 billion people will have diabetes by 2050 [1,2]. Insulin resistance in target tissues and insufficient insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cell are the main characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [3]. Prolonged exposure to hyperglycaemia induces insulin biosynthesis and secretion, resulting in the deterioration of β-cell function, known as β-cell glucose toxicity [4]. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are highly recommended in clinical setting because they safely lower blood glucose levels by enhancing urinary glucose excretion in an insulin-independent manner [5].
