Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In the UK alone, around 5 million people are living with it. One of the biggest risks for people with diabetes is developing kidney disease. In fact, about 40% of them are at risk of this serious complication, which can sometimes lead to the need for dialysis or even a kidney transplant.
Taking care of the kidneys is incredibly important for those with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can slowly damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to problems over time. To prevent this, doctors recommend keeping blood sugar levels under control, managing blood pressure, eating healthy, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and following medical advice carefully.
There is an interesting discovery in the fight against kidney disease in people with diabetes. A drug called spironolactone, which is usually prescribed for high blood pressure, has shown potential in protecting the kidneys.
Spironolactone works by stopping a type of protein from leaking into the urine, which is important because too much protein in the urine is a sign of kidney damage. However, the drug isn’t commonly used for kidney protection because it can sometimes cause high levels of potassium in the blood, which can be dangerous.
Researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK, led by Dr. Matthew Butler, wanted to understand how spironolactone actually helps protect the kidneys. Through their research, they found something surprising. Inside the kidneys, there is a thin, gel-like layer on the walls of blood vessels called the glycocalyx.
This layer is very important for keeping the kidneys working properly. It protects the tiny blood vessels and stops harmful substances from getting in. The research team discovered that spironolactone helps to protect this delicate layer.
To study this, the researchers looked at kidney samples from patients. They even came up with a new way to measure changes in the thickness of this protective layer. Their studies showed that diabetes can damage the glycocalyx, making it thinner and weaker.
But when patients took spironolactone, the damage was much less severe. This means that the drug helps to keep the kidneys safe by protecting this important layer.
The researchers didn’t stop there. They found another interesting effect of spironolactone. In addition to protecting the glycocalyx, the drug also slows down certain enzymes in the body called matrix metalloproteases.
These enzymes can break down the protective layer over time, leading to more damage. By stopping these enzymes, spironolactone helps to maintain kidney health in people with diabetes.
Excited by their findings, the research team is now exploring other drugs that might do the same job without the side effects of spironolactone. Their goal is to find treatments that can protect the kidneys safely and effectively for people with diabetes. This could be a major step forward in managing diabetic kidney disease and helping people live healthier lives.
This study was published in a scientific journal called JCI Insight. It is seen as a big step forward in understanding how to protect the kidneys from diabetes-related damage. With further research, doctors hope to find even better ways to keep kidneys healthy in people with diabetes.
Aside from this study, there have also been some interesting discoveries about how to maintain good blood pressure. Some studies suggest that fasting might help reverse high blood pressure, and that olive oil could help reduce blood pressure in healthy people.
Drinking cherry concentrate has also been found to lower blood pressure, similar to how some medications work. Additionally, taking 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids every day might help keep blood pressure at healthy levels.
These new findings are promising and offer hope for better treatments for people with diabetes and those at risk of kidney disease. As research continues, more options may become available that are both safer and more effective in keeping kidneys healthy and strong.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
