Scientists from the University of Bristol have found something exciting that could help people with diabetes avoid serious kidney problems.
About 40% of people with diabetes develop kidney disease, which can lead to dialysis or the need for a kidney transplant.
Now, this new discovery might bring hope to millions of people living with diabetes in the UK and beyond.
The researchers studied a medicine called spironolactone. It’s often used to treat high blood pressure. Doctors already know that spironolactone can reduce the amount of protein leaking into urine, which is a sign of kidney damage.
But the drug has side effects—especially raising potassium levels in the blood—which makes doctors cautious about using it too often.
So what makes this new study special? The scientists wanted to know *how* spironolactone actually protects the kidneys. They discovered that it helps protect something called the glycocalyx layer.
This is a thin, jelly-like coating that lines the inside of blood vessels in the kidneys. It plays a big role in keeping kidneys healthy. But in people with diabetes, this layer often gets damaged.
To better understand what’s happening, the researchers used kidney samples from real patients and developed a new way to measure how thick the glycocalyx layer is. Their tests showed that diabetes does damage this layer—but spironolactone can stop that damage from happening.
The medicine also lowers the activity of certain enzymes known as matrix metalloproteases. These enzymes break down the glycocalyx, so calming them down helps protect the kidneys.
The scientists hope that in the future, other drugs could be used to block these enzymes and protect the kidneys—without causing the high potassium side effects of spironolactone.
This research could speed up the development of new treatments for diabetic kidney disease. That means better health and fewer hospital visits for many people with diabetes.
If you have diabetes, taking care of your kidneys is very important. Here are some tips that can help:
Keep your blood sugar under control to prevent damage to your kidneys. Try to keep your blood pressure at or below 130/80 mm Hg. You may need medications for this.
Eat a healthy diet that’s low in salt and saturated fat. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Try to get about 30 minutes of exercise most days. It helps with your general health and your kidneys.
If you smoke, quitting can protect your blood vessels and kidneys. Always take your medications as prescribed, especially those for diabetes or high blood pressure.
And finally, get regular kidney function tests. Catching any kidney issues early makes them easier to treat.
This important study was led by Dr. Matthew Butler and published in the journal *JCI Insight*. It opens new doors in the fight against diabetic kidney disease and gives real hope to people looking for better ways to stay healthy.
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