A recent study from the University of Bristol brings new hope for people living with diabetes, especially those worried about kidney problems.
The research suggests that a common blood pressure medicine called spironolactone could help slow down kidney damage caused by diabetes.
Diabetic kidney disease is a serious condition that affects about 40% of people with diabetes. In the UK alone, nearly 4.8 million people live with diabetes, and many of them face a high risk of needing dialysis or a kidney transplant.
This is because high blood sugar over time can damage the kidneys. That’s why finding ways to protect kidney health is so important.
Spironolactone is already known to help reduce the amount of protein lost in urine—a sign that kidneys are not working well. But doctors often hesitate to use it for people with diabetic kidney disease because it can raise potassium levels in the blood, which can be dangerous.
To understand how spironolactone helps, the researchers looked at its effect on a special layer of the kidney’s blood vessels called the glycocalyx. This layer acts like a protective gel that keeps blood vessels healthy. In people with diabetic kidney disease, this protective layer often gets damaged, leading to more serious kidney problems.
The researchers used samples of kidney tissue to measure changes in the glycocalyx. They discovered that diabetes harms this layer, but spironolactone helps protect it.
The drug works by lowering the activity of certain enzymes, called matrix metalloproteases, which can break down the glycocalyx. By calming these enzymes, spironolactone helps keep the protective layer in place and reduces damage to the kidneys.
These results are exciting, but spironolactone isn’t right for everyone. Because of its side effects, especially the risk of high potassium, the researchers want to find other drugs that work in the same way but are safer. Their goal is to discover new treatments that protect the kidneys without causing harmful side effects.
For people with diabetes, protecting kidney health means more than just taking medicine. There are everyday steps that can also help:
Keeping blood sugar levels in check helps avoid long-term kidney damage. Managing blood pressure is also crucial, with a target of 130/80 mm Hg or lower. Eating a balanced diet that is low in salt and saturated fats, and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support kidney health.
Regular physical activity—about 30 minutes most days—can improve overall health and lower kidney risks. Not smoking is another key step, as smoking harms blood vessels, including those in the kidneys. Taking medications exactly as prescribed and having regular kidney function tests are also essential parts of managing kidney health.
This study, led by Dr. Matthew Butler and published in the journal JCI Insight, is a step forward in the search for better treatments for diabetic kidney disease. While spironolactone may not be suitable for everyone, it opens the door to new ways of protecting the kidneys and improving life for people with diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about diabetes and vitamin B12, and the right diet for people with type 2 diabetes.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to eat smart with diabetes, and turmeric and vitamin D: a duo for blood pressure control in diabetic patients.
