People with type 2 diabetes are at a high risk of developing severe health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and advanced kidney disease.
However, recent research from Monash University and other institutions has highlighted a medication that not only lowers blood sugar levels but also protects heart and kidney health.
The drug, known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), has been used to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar.
In a recent study, researchers analyzed how SGLT2is affect heart and kidney health and whether they are cost-effective for healthcare systems. This is a unique study because it is the first to examine if SGLT2is are financially viable when considering only their benefits for heart and kidney health.
The results revealed that SGLT2is offer a cost-effective treatment for all people with type 2 diabetes, no matter how well their blood sugar levels are managed.
This suggests that the drug could be broadly prescribed to prevent heart and kidney complications in diabetics, making it an essential addition to current treatment plans.
In 2019, clinical guidelines were updated to acknowledge the heart and kidney benefits of SGLT2is. The findings of this new study strengthen the case for making these medications more accessible.
The researchers recommend that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme review its criteria for prescribing SGLT2is, given their cost-effectiveness. However, it’s essential for the government to balance the benefits of treatments with their costs when allocating healthcare resources.
According to Diabetes Australia, approximately 1.9 million people in Australia live with diabetes, with an estimated 500,000 of them having undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
Heart and kidney diseases are among the most common complications associated with diabetes. Therefore, the study’s findings are potentially life-changing for a large number of people.
Managing blood sugar is a central part of diabetes care, but it’s also crucial to focus on preventing heart and kidney problems. SGLT2is appear to offer a cost-effective way to reduce the risk of these complications, providing a valuable option alongside existing treatments.
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can harm blood vessels and organs, including the kidneys.
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood and maintaining fluid balance. However, prolonged high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to a condition called diabetic nephropathy, which is a leading cause of kidney disease.
Diabetic nephropathy can develop slowly, but it can eventually lead to end-stage kidney disease, where the kidneys can no longer function properly.
To prevent kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes, it’s crucial to keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control. This requires a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and regular check-ups with healthcare providers.
For those looking to explore additional ways to improve their health, studies suggest that pomace olive oil may help reduce blood cholesterol, while honey might be beneficial for blood sugar control.
There’s also evidence that protecting kidney health from diabetes-related damage is possible with good management practices, and drinking coffee might reduce the risk of kidney injury.
The study, led by Jedidiah Morton and his colleagues, was published in Diabetologia and provides strong evidence for the broader use of SGLT2is in diabetes management.
By offering protection for both heart and kidney health, this medication could significantly improve the lives of people living with type 2 diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and what you need to know about avocado and type 2 diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about how to eat to prevent type 2 diabetes, and 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes.
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