Scientists from the University of Hong Kong have discovered that a newer type of diabetes drug may do more than just control blood sugar. The study looked at a group of medications called SGLT2 inhibitors, which are used to treat type 2 diabetes.
These drugs help the body remove extra sugar through urine, which lowers blood sugar levels. But according to the new research, they might also protect the kidneys and lungs—two organs that can be damaged in people with diabetes.
The study compared SGLT2 inhibitors to another type of diabetes drug called DPP4 inhibitors. DPP4 inhibitors have been around longer and are commonly used to help people manage their type 2 diabetes. While both drugs lower blood sugar, the researchers wanted to see if one group had extra health benefits beyond just diabetes control.
To find out, they studied medical records from more than 30,000 people with type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong. The results showed that people taking SGLT2 inhibitors had a lower risk of serious kidney problems.
These included end-stage kidney disease, which means the kidneys stop working and a person may need dialysis or a transplant. This is especially important for people with diabetes, who are at high risk for kidney damage over time.
In addition to helping protect the kidneys, the study also found that SGLT2 inhibitors may protect the lungs. The people who took these drugs had fewer cases of obstructive airway disease—a condition that makes it hard to breathe—and pneumonia, a serious lung infection.
This is a new discovery because earlier studies mostly focused on how these drugs help the heart and kidneys. Few had looked at whether they might also protect the lungs.
The findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors could be a better choice than DPP4 inhibitors for many people with type 2 diabetes. These newer drugs seem to offer added protection for the heart, kidneys, and lungs—making them more than just a blood sugar medicine.
However, like all medications, SGLT2 inhibitors have some risks. Some people who take them may get more urinary or genital infections.
In rare cases, they can also cause a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, where the body produces too many acids called ketones. Because of this, anyone thinking about switching to or starting these medications should talk to their doctor first to make sure it’s the right choice for their health needs.
Dr. Cheung Ching-lung, the lead researcher, said this study gives important real-world evidence that supports the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors. It shows that these drugs could help people with diabetes avoid serious complications not just in the heart and kidneys, but also in the lungs.
The full study was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and JAMA Network Open. More research is needed to fully understand how these drugs work to protect different organs in the body. But for now, it adds to the growing belief that SGLT2 inhibitors could be a powerful tool in the fight against diabetes and its many complications.
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