A recent study from the University of Hong Kong has shown that a newer type of diabetes medication, called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), may provide additional health benefits beyond lowering blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that this drug could reduce the risks of serious kidney and lung diseases, including end-stage kidney disease, chronic obstructive airway disease, and pneumonia.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. Many people with this condition are at risk of developing complications, including kidney and lung problems. Managing blood sugar is crucial for reducing these risks, and over the years, several types of medications have been developed to help with this.
SGLT2 inhibitors are a relatively new option. Originally designed to lower blood sugar by helping the body remove excess glucose through urine, these drugs have recently gained attention for their potential to protect other organs, such as the heart and kidneys.
The study compared the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors with an older class of diabetes medications called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i). DPP4 inhibitors are commonly prescribed and help control blood sugar by increasing insulin production.
While effective, they have not shown the same level of additional benefits as SGLT2 inhibitors. Until now, it was unclear whether SGLT2 inhibitors offered more protection against complications than DPP4 inhibitors.
To investigate, the research team analyzed health data from over 30,000 people with type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong. They looked at how often these patients developed kidney and lung problems depending on whether they were taking SGLT2 inhibitors or DPP4 inhibitors.
The results were promising. Patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors had significantly lower risks of developing kidney diseases, including severe conditions like end-stage kidney failure.
These findings align with earlier studies that suggested SGLT2 inhibitors might help protect the kidneys. The researchers believe this added benefit could make SGLT2 inhibitors a better option for people at risk of kidney problems.
In addition to kidney protection, the study found that SGLT2 inhibitors were also linked to a reduced risk of lung diseases. Patients taking these drugs were less likely to experience chronic obstructive airway disease or pneumonia.
This was a surprising finding, as most previous research had focused on the heart and kidneys rather than the lungs. The researchers suggested that clinical trials should explore this potential benefit further.
Overall, the study adds to growing evidence that SGLT2 inhibitors offer more than just blood sugar control. While DPP4 inhibitors remain effective for managing diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors could be a better choice for people who need additional protection for their kidneys and lungs.
This research highlights the importance of tailoring treatment plans for people with diabetes. Choosing the right medication could help prevent serious complications and improve quality of life.
However, the researchers emphasized that more studies, especially clinical trials, are needed to confirm these findings and better understand the drug’s effects on the lungs.
The study was led by Dr. Cheung Ching-lung and published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and JAMA Network Open. For those interested in managing kidney health, related research suggests that certain lifestyle changes, like drinking coffee, could also help reduce the risk of kidney injury.
If you care about lung health, please read studies about marijuana’s effects on lung health, and why some non-smokers get lung disease and some heavy smokers do not.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
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