The worldwide prevalences of diabetes mellitus (DM) and of heart failure (HF) have collectively been on the rise. HF accounts for a large portion of the cardiovascular mortality and morbidity associated with DM. DM increases the risk of developing heart failure by promoting atherosclerosis and exerting direct deleterious effects on the myocardium. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are agents approved for the treatment of DM; they exert their anti-hyperglycemic effects by blocking renal reabsorption of glucose and inducing glycosuria. SGLT-2 inhibitors have consistently decreased the hospitalization rate of HF and cardiovascular mortality in several clinical trials. SGLT-2 inhibitors also possess anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and antihypertensive in addition to beneficial effects on the myocardial metabolism, which may account for their heart failure benefits. However, further research still needs to be done to evaluate the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in non-diabetic patients and their efficacy in preventing or treating different heart failure phenotypes. •Heart failure accounts for a significant part of the diabetes-associated cardiovascular burden.•Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of heart failure by the development of atherosclerosis and diabetic cardiomyopathy.•Deposition of glycation end products, increased inflammation, and microvascular dysfunction contribute to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy.•SGLT2 inhibitors decrease inflammation, increase ketogenesis and natriuresis, which could explain its utility in heart failure.•Further research is needed to define the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure.