SLC5A2 and Other metabolic disease: A potential association between elevated EPO and cardioprotection is suggested by increased EPO production and erythropoiesis associated with treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for metabolic disorders that are associated with a reduced risk of heart failure events (Packer, 2020; Packer et al., 2020; Packer, 2021).