Medicines that were first developed to help people manage diabetes are showing benefits far beyond blood sugar control.
A large new study has found that a group of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists can help protect both the heart and the kidneys, even in many people who do not have diabetes.
The findings add to growing evidence that these medications may play an important role in preventing some of the world’s most common and serious health problems. Researchers say the drugs can lower the risk of kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and even early death.
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by copying the actions of a natural hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone helps control blood sugar levels by encouraging the release of insulin after meals. Because of this effect, the drugs were originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes.
Over the last several years, however, scientists have discovered that these medications do much more than lower blood sugar.
They can also help people lose weight by slowing the movement of food through the stomach, reducing hunger, and helping people feel full for longer periods. As a result, several of these medicines have become widely known as treatments for obesity and weight management.
Some of the best-known GLP-1 drugs include semaglutide, sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as dulaglutide, known as Trulicity, and liraglutide, sold as Victoza. Millions of people around the world are now using these medications.
Although previous studies had already shown that GLP-1 drugs can reduce the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes, researchers were still uncertain about their effects on kidney health. Kidney disease is a major global health problem, and people with diabetes, obesity, and heart disease are especially vulnerable to developing it.
To better understand the benefits of these medications, researchers carried out the largest and most comprehensive analysis of its kind. They combined data from 11 major clinical trials involving more than 85,000 participants.
Nearly 68,000 participants had type 2 diabetes, while the remaining participants had obesity, cardiovascular disease, or other health conditions without diabetes. The studies included seven different GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.
After examining all the data, the researchers found strong evidence that these drugs provide important protection for the kidneys. Compared with people who received a placebo, those taking GLP-1 receptor agonists were 16% less likely to develop kidney failure. They also had a 22% lower risk of experiencing worsening kidney function.
When the researchers combined several kidney-related outcomes, including kidney failure, declining kidney function, and death caused by kidney disease, they found that the overall risk was reduced by 19%. These findings suggest that the medications may slow the progression of kidney disease and help preserve kidney function over time.
The study also confirmed the drugs’ benefits for heart health. People taking GLP-1 receptor agonists had a 14% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, suffering a non-fatal heart attack, or experiencing a stroke. In addition, the overall risk of death from any cause was 13% lower among people taking these medications.
Lead researcher Professor Sunil Badve from The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Sydney said the results represent an important step forward. He explained that the study shows these medicines can provide protection for both the heart and the kidneys, not only in people with diabetes but also in many people without the condition.
The findings may be especially important for people living with chronic kidney disease, often called CKD. This condition develops gradually over time and can eventually lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. People with chronic kidney disease also face a much higher risk of heart problems and premature death.
Chronic kidney disease affects around 850 million people worldwide, which is about one in every ten people. It is currently one of the leading causes of death globally, and experts predict that its impact will continue to grow in the coming decades. Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease are major contributors to the rising number of cases.
Senior author Professor Vlado Perkovic, also from The George Institute and UNSW Sydney, said the study highlights the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists as a powerful tool against several major chronic diseases at the same time.
By helping address obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease, these medications could improve the health of millions of people worldwide.
The researchers believe the findings could influence future medical guidelines and encourage wider use of these drugs among people who may benefit from them. They also stress the importance of making the medications more accessible and affordable so that more patients can receive treatment.
The research was published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. As scientists continue to learn more about GLP-1 receptor agonists, the evidence suggests these medications may offer much more than blood sugar control.
They could become an important part of the effort to reduce the global burden of heart disease, kidney disease, and obesity while helping people live longer and healthier lives.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about pesticide linked to chronic kidney disease, and this drug may prevent kidney failure in people with diabetes.
For more health information, please see recent studies about drug duo that may treat kidney failure, and results showing these vegetables may protect against kidney damage.
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