Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-11-2026

Academic Year

2025-2026

Comments

Presented at the 2026 Scholarly Inquiry (SI) Research Project Symposium.

Abstract

Introduction: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are widely used for type 2 diabetes management, but are associated with increased risk of genital infections. Despite their use, there is limited evidence to quantify this risk. We conducted a systematic review to determine the incidence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in patients taking SGLT2is compared to other diabetes treatments. We hypothesized that SGLT2i use would be associated with an increased incidence of VVC compared to other treatments.

Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, we searched five databases using MESH terms for studies examining VVC in females with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with SGLT2is versus other glucose-lowering therapies. The primary outcome was the incidence of VVC. Two reviewers screened articles, extracted data, and assessed study quality.  The primary outcome measured was the incidence of VVC. We calculated risk ratios for the RCTs and extracted adjusted hazard ratios from the observational studies. Due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcome definitions, we conducted a narrative synthesis.

Results: Four studies (3 RCTs and 1 cohort study) met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 77,483 participants. The RCTs demonstrated 1.6-2.75 fold increased risk of VVC with SGLT2 inhibitors compared to controls (OR 2.8). The observational study confirmed these findings with approximately 3-fold increased risk of genital infections in SGLT2i users versus DPP-4 inhibitor users (RR 3.29).

Conclusion: Our findings support our hypothesis; they confirm that SGLT2 inhibitor use increases the risk of genital mycotic infections compared to other diabetes treatments. Future studies should identify preventive strategies.

Additional Files
Skovronsky_Gabriela_poster.pdf (1660 kB)

Language

English

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