A new study from the University of Bristol has found a possible way to slow down diabetic kidney disease, a serious condition that affects about 40% of people with diabetes. This discovery could help millions of people who are at risk of kidney failure.
Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how the body processes sugar. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage many parts of the body, including the kidneys. When the kidneys stop working properly, waste builds up in the body, and people may need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
In the UK alone, around 4.8 million people have diabetes, and they are four times more likely to suffer from kidney failure than those without diabetes.
Scientists in this study focused on a drug called spironolactone, which is usually used to treat high blood pressure. Past research has shown that it can help reduce protein leakage into the urine, a key sign of kidney damage.
However, spironolactone can also cause side effects, including dangerously high levels of potassium in the blood, which makes doctors hesitant to prescribe it widely.
To understand how this drug protects the kidneys, researchers looked at kidney samples from patients. They found that spironolactone helps protect a special layer in the kidney’s blood vessels called the glycocalyx.
This gel-like layer acts as a shield, preventing harmful substances from damaging the kidneys. The study confirmed that diabetes can weaken this protective layer, but spironolactone helps keep it intact.
The team also discovered that spironolactone reduces the activity of certain enzymes called matrix metalloproteases. These enzymes can break down the glycocalyx, leading to kidney damage. By stopping these enzymes, spironolactone helps slow the progression of kidney disease.
The researchers’ next goal is to find new drugs that can block these harmful enzymes without causing the side effects linked to spironolactone. If successful, this could lead to safer and more effective treatments for people with diabetic kidney disease.
This study is an important step toward finding better ways to protect kidney health in diabetes. It offers hope to millions of people at risk of kidney failure and may lead to new treatments in the future.
Tips to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy with Diabetes
If you have diabetes, taking care of your kidneys is important. Here are some simple ways to protect them:
- Control your blood sugar – High blood sugar can damage your kidneys over time. Follow your doctor’s advice on diet, exercise, and medication to keep your sugar levels stable.
- Manage your blood pressure – High blood pressure makes kidney disease worse. Try to keep it below 130/80 mm Hg, and take medication if needed.
- Eat a kidney-friendly diet – A diet low in salt and unhealthy fats can protect your kidneys. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Stay active – Regular exercise improves overall health and reduces the risk of kidney disease. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
- Quit smoking – Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of kidney disease. Quitting can help protect your kidneys.
- Take medications as prescribed – If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to avoid kidney damage.
- Get regular kidney tests – If you have diabetes, your doctor may check your kidney function regularly. Early detection can help prevent serious problems.
This research was led by Dr. Matthew Butler and published in JCI Insight. It brings new hope for preventing kidney disease in people with diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and to people with diabetes, some fruits are better than others.
For more health information, please see recent studies that low calorie diets may help reverse diabetes, and 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
