This type of diabetes drug could protect kidney and lung health

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Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people around the world, and managing it can be challenging. However, a recent discovery has brought new hope to those living with type 2 diabetes.

Scientists have found a type of medicine, known as SGLT2 inhibitors, that not only helps control blood sugar levels but also offers additional health benefits.

For a long time, doctors have used a variety of drugs to help diabetes patients manage their blood sugar levels. Among these are DPP4 inhibitors, a well-known medication that has been helpful for many.

However, researchers at the University of Hong Kong have conducted a study comparing DPP4 inhibitors with the newer SGLT2 inhibitors, and the results are quite promising.

The study looked at over 30,000 diabetes patients in Hong Kong. It focused on how these two types of drugs affected patients’ heart, kidney, and lung health. The findings revealed some exciting benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors.

One of the standout discoveries is how SGLT2 inhibitors can protect the kidneys. The study showed that people taking these drugs had a lower risk of severe kidney problems, including the kind that can lead to needing dialysis or a kidney transplant.

This is a significant advantage over DPP4 inhibitors, which do not offer the same level of kidney protection.

But that’s not all. The researchers also found that SGLT2 inhibitors could help protect the lungs. Patients taking these drugs were less likely to suffer from lung diseases like asthma or pneumonia.

This was a surprising benefit, as previous research had mostly focused on how SGLT2 inhibitors help the heart and kidneys.

So, what does all this mean for people with type 2 diabetes? It suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors could be a better choice for some patients, offering more comprehensive health protection than just controlling blood sugar levels.

It’s important to talk about these options with a healthcare provider, as all medications can have side effects. For SGLT2 inhibitors, these can include a higher risk of infections in the genital area and urinary tract, as well as a rare condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

The findings from the University of Hong Kong are indeed promising and highlight the importance of exploring all possible treatment options for diabetes.

While more research is needed to understand exactly how SGLT2 inhibitors protect the heart, kidneys, and lungs, this study offers hope for better, more comprehensive care for people with type 2 diabetes.

In conclusion, this research underscores the potential of SGLT2 inhibitors not only in managing blood sugar levels but also in providing additional protection against serious health issues.

As the medical community continues to investigate these benefits, patients have more reasons to be optimistic about their treatment options. It’s a reminder of the ongoing progress in the fight against diabetes and the importance of personalized care in managing this complex condition.

If you care about diabetes, please read studies about a cure for type 2 diabetes, and these vegetables could protect against kidney damage in diabetes.

For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about bone drug that could lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and results showing eating more eggs linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

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