A recent study from the University of Bristol has uncovered a promising new method to slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease, a condition that affects about 40% of people with diabetes.
This discovery offers potential relief for the 4.8 million people in the UK living with diabetes, who are four times more likely to need dialysis or a kidney transplant due to kidney complications.
The study focused on spironolactone, a medication typically used to control high blood pressure. Clinical trials have already shown that this drug can reduce the amount of protein leaking into urine, a key indicator of kidney damage in people with diabetic kidney disease.
However, spironolactone comes with the risk of increasing potassium levels in the blood, a side effect that makes some doctors hesitant to prescribe it, as high potassium can lead to serious health problems.
The research team sought to understand exactly how spironolactone helps protect the kidneys. They discovered that the drug works by preserving the glycocalyx, a gel-like layer that lines the blood vessels in the kidney.
This layer plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy kidney function. In people with diabetes, this glycocalyx layer is often damaged, leading to kidney disease. By protecting this layer, spironolactone helps slow down the progression of the disease.
To confirm their findings, the scientists used kidney biopsy samples from patients to measure changes in the glycocalyx layer. They developed a new method to monitor the depth of the glycocalyx and found that diabetes causes significant damage to this layer.
However, spironolactone prevented this damage from happening, suggesting that it plays a protective role in the kidneys.
Additionally, the study revealed that spironolactone reduces the activity of enzymes called matrix metalloproteases.
These enzymes break down the glycocalyx layer, and by inhibiting their activity, spironolactone helps to preserve the protective lining of blood vessels in the kidney.
The researchers now plan to explore repurposing drugs that specifically target these enzymes, in hopes of finding treatments that offer the same kidney protection as spironolactone without the side effects related to increased potassium levels.
This could lead to safer and more effective treatments for people with diabetic kidney disease, speeding up the process of finding new solutions for managing this condition.
This discovery marks an important step forward in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease, offering hope to millions of people affected by this condition.
By understanding how drugs like spironolactone protect the kidneys, scientists are getting closer to developing new therapies that can prevent disease progression and improve the quality of life for those living with diabetes.
Tips for Protecting Your Kidneys if You Have Diabetes
If you have diabetes, taking care of your kidneys is essential. Here are some steps to help keep your kidneys healthy:
- Control blood sugar levels: High blood sugar can damage your kidneys over time. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
- Manage blood pressure: High blood pressure is another major risk factor for kidney damage. Aim to keep your blood pressure at or below 130/80 mm Hg. If needed, your doctor can prescribe medication to help you manage it.
- Eat a healthy diet: A diet low in salt and saturated fats can help protect your kidneys. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support overall kidney health.
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of kidney disease. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of kidney disease. Quitting smoking can improve your kidney health and reduce other health risks.
- Take medications as prescribed: If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, taking your medications as directed by your doctor is critical for protecting your kidneys.
- Get regular kidney function tests: Regular check-ups and kidney function tests can help detect any signs of kidney damage early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
This research, led by Dr. Matthew Butler and published in JCI Insight, provides valuable insights into the potential of spironolactone and other drugs to treat diabetic kidney disease.
As new treatments are explored, people living with diabetes can look forward to more effective ways to protect their kidney health and prevent complications.
By staying informed and proactive about kidney care, people with diabetes can significantly reduce their risk of kidney disease and its complications.
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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