New research reveals that popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs may also protect the kidneys.
This groundbreaking study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, analyzed the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and found significant benefits for both kidney and heart health, even in people without diabetes.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, and Victoza, were originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes.
These drugs mimic a natural hormone that boosts insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels.
Recently, they’ve also been used to treat obesity by slowing digestion, increasing feelings of fullness, and reducing hunger.
Until now, their effects on chronic kidney disease (CKD) were less clear.
CKD affects 1 in 10 people worldwide and can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant. It’s also a major cause of early death, often due to heart disease.
The study was the largest of its kind, combining data from 11 major clinical trials involving over 85,000 participants.
These included people with type 2 diabetes and those with obesity and heart disease, but no diabetes. Researchers investigated seven different GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The results were promising:
- Kidney health: GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced the risk of kidney failure by 16% and slowed kidney function decline by 22%. The combined risk of kidney failure, worsening kidney function, and death due to kidney disease was reduced by 19%.
- Heart health: These drugs also lowered the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke by 14%, and reduced the risk of death from any cause by 13%.
Lead researcher Professor Sunil Badve from The George Institute for Global Health said, “This is the first study to show that GLP-1 receptor agonists can protect the kidneys, even preventing end-stage kidney disease.
These findings are particularly important for people with chronic kidney disease, as it severely affects quality of life and increases healthcare costs.”
Chronic kidney disease, which is often caused by diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, is a growing global problem. By 2050, it is expected to become the fifth most common cause of death.
Professor Vlado Perkovic, another senior researcher, said, “This research highlights how these drugs can help reduce the burden of serious diseases. Now, we need to ensure these treatments are accessible to those who will benefit most.”
This study not only confirms the heart and kidney-protective effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists but also paves the way for improving how we manage these life-threatening conditions.
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Source: KSR.
