Scientists at the University of Bristol have made an exciting discovery that could help millions of people living with diabetes. Around 40% of people with diabetes develop a serious problem called diabetic kidney disease.
This condition can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or even a kidney transplant. In the UK alone, about 4.8 million people have diabetes, so this breakthrough is very important.
The researchers looked at a drug called spironolactone, which is usually used to treat high blood pressure. Doctors already know that this drug can help reduce protein loss in urine, which is a sign of kidney damage.
But spironolactone also has some side effects—especially raising potassium levels in the blood—which can be dangerous. Because of this, many doctors are careful about using it.
The research team wanted to find out exactly how spironolactone helps protect the kidneys. They discovered that it supports a special layer inside the kidneys called the glycocalyx. This is a thin, gel-like layer that coats the inside of blood vessels. It plays an important role in keeping the kidneys healthy, but diabetes can damage it.
Using kidney tissue samples from patients, the scientists created a new way to measure how deep and strong this glycocalyx layer is. Their method showed that diabetes does indeed damage this protective layer, and that spironolactone can stop or reduce this damage.
They also found that spironolactone lowers the activity of enzymes called matrix metalloproteases. These enzymes can harm the glycocalyx, so reducing their activity helps protect the kidneys.
Now, the researchers are exploring other medicines that can block these enzymes without causing the side effects that spironolactone does. This could lead to new treatments for diabetic kidney disease that are both safe and effective.
The study was led by Dr. Matthew Butler and published in the journal JCI Insight. It represents a major step forward in the search for better ways to prevent and treat diabetic kidney disease.
For people living with diabetes, keeping the kidneys healthy is very important. There are several things that can help: managing blood sugar levels, keeping blood pressure under control, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, taking medicines as prescribed, and having regular kidney tests.
These actions can reduce the risk of kidney problems and help detect issues early.
This new research gives hope that even better treatments are on the way. By understanding how the kidneys are damaged and how to protect them, scientists are getting closer to finding new solutions for a disease that affects so many people.
For more health information, please read studies about important cause of kidney disease and Cruciferous vegetables may reverse kidney damage in diabetics.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about High blood pressure drugs may affect kidney health and findings of Effective home remedies for kidney infections.
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