A new systematic review and meta-analysis pooling data from 10 studies found that SGLT2 inhibitors — popular diabetes drugs like empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin — were associated with 28% lower odds of developing kidney stones in adults with type 2 diabetes. The protective effect was strongest compared to non-users (45% lower odds) and also held against placebo and other diabetes drug classes including GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors. While the findings are consistent and statistically robust, extremely high heterogeneity across studies cautions against a purely causal interpretation. Most evidence comes from observational data, and researchers call for future trials with rigorous stone outcome tracking and urinary biochemical profiling to confirm the mechanism.
