People with type 2 diabetes who also have kidney disease face a very high risk of kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and even death.
But now, a new study from Stanford University has brought some good news.
Researchers found that a drug called canagliflozin can lower the risk of kidney failure by one-third in people with both type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.
The study included 4,401 people from 34 different countries. All of them were already getting the best current treatment for kidney disease, known as RAAS therapy. Half of the group was given canagliflozin, and the other half received a placebo—a pill with no active medicine.
The results were exciting. People who took canagliflozin had a 30% lower chance of ending up with kidney failure or dying from kidney or heart problems compared to those who took the placebo.
The chance of kidney failure alone, or death due to kidney failure, dropped by 34%. And there was also a 31% lower risk of being hospitalized for heart failure or dying from heart-related issues.
So how does this drug work? Canagliflozin helps the body get rid of extra sugar by passing it through the urine. It already has approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to reduce the risk of serious heart problems in people with diabetes who already have heart disease.
This new study shows that canagliflozin doesn’t just help with blood sugar and heart health—it also offers strong protection for the kidneys. This is a big step forward, especially since the main kidney treatment for people with diabetes hasn’t changed much in almost 20 years.
In conclusion, canagliflozin gives people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease a powerful new way to protect their kidneys and hearts. It could help many patients avoid serious health problems and live longer, healthier lives.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Widely prescribed drug may increase sudden cardiac arrest risk in people with diabetes and findings of These common drugs linked to sudden cardiac arrest in people with type 2 diabetes.
For more about diabetes, please read studies about New diabetes drug could control blood sugar and body weight better and findings of Common diabetes drugs linked to increased heart risk.
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