When people think about treating chronic diseases, they often think about living longer. But for many patients, feeling better each day can be just as important.
A major new study has found that semaglutide, a medication already known for helping people with diabetes and weight management, may also improve daily quality of life for people living with chronic kidney disease.
The findings come from the FLOW trial, one of the largest studies ever conducted in people with both type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Researchers presented the latest results at the 63rd ERA Congress.
Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease often occur together. High blood sugar can gradually damage the kidneys, making it harder for them to filter waste from the blood.
As kidney function declines, patients may experience fatigue, weakness, reduced mobility, pain, and limitations in everyday activities. Many also face concerns about future kidney failure and the possibility of dialysis.
For years, doctors have focused on slowing kidney damage and preventing life-threatening complications. While these goals remain important, researchers are increasingly recognizing that patients also want treatments that help them maintain independence and enjoy a better quality of life.
Semaglutide has already demonstrated impressive medical benefits. Earlier FLOW trial results showed that it reduced major kidney disease events by nearly one-quarter and lowered overall mortality by one-fifth. Those findings established the medication as an important option for patients at high risk.
The latest analysis looked at something different. Researchers wanted to know whether patients actually felt better while taking the medication.
The study included 3,533 participants from multiple countries. Of these, 1,767 received semaglutide and 1,766 received placebo treatment. Participants completed detailed health questionnaires when they entered the study and then once each year.
The questionnaires measured several aspects of wellbeing. Participants reported on their ability to move around, take care of themselves, carry out normal daily activities, cope with pain, and manage emotional wellbeing. They also rated their overall health.
The results were clear. People taking semaglutide maintained their quality-of-life scores over time, while scores gradually declined among those taking placebo. Researchers calculated that the benefit was roughly equal to gaining eight extra days of full health every year.
Patients receiving semaglutide also reported better overall health. Improvements were particularly noticeable in mobility, self-care, routine activities, and pain levels. These benefits appeared consistently among different groups of patients, regardless of age, weight, kidney function, or previous cardiovascular disease.
Professor Johannes Mann said the findings exceeded expectations. Because nausea and digestive problems can occur with GLP-1 drugs, researchers were unsure whether overall wellbeing would improve. Instead, they found meaningful benefits across several areas of daily life.
This is especially important because chronic kidney disease is becoming increasingly common worldwide. More than 850 million people are affected globally, and the number continues to rise. The condition increases the risk of kidney failure, heart disease, and premature death, placing a heavy burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems.
The new findings suggest that semaglutide may help address both the medical and personal impacts of the disease. Patients may not only experience fewer serious health events but may also remain more active and independent.
Researchers now want to understand exactly why quality of life improved. Weight loss, better blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, improved kidney health, and cardiovascular protection may all contribute. Future studies will explore these possibilities.
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.
Source: ERA Congress.
