Weight loss – This diabetes medicine is also beneficial for kidneys, can prevent damage – study

GLP-1 receptor agonists are not limited to just treating diabetes, but may also play an important role in kidney protection. The use of this medicine can improve kidney function, reduce the risk of kidney failure and improve the quality of life of patients.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which help with weight loss and blood sugar control, may also be helpful in protecting the kidneys, whether the person has diabetes or not.

The results of the study on the effects of this medicine have been published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal. This research shows that GLP-1 receptor agonists are not only helpful in treating diabetes, but they may also improve kidney function and reduce the risk of kidney failure.

study findings

GLP-1 receptor agonists were previously primarily used to treat diabetes. This medicine increases insulin production and controls blood sugar. Additionally, it slows down the digestion process, reduces appetite and makes you feel full, which helps in weight loss. But this new study has shown that this drug may also be beneficial for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Researchers at the George Institute for Global Health conducted the study to understand the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on chronic kidney disease. This disease is spreading rapidly around the world and about 850 million people are affected by it.

Clinical Trial Results

This study analyzed 11 large clinical trials on 85,373 people. Of these, 67,769 people had type-2 diabetes, while 17,604 people had only obesity or heart disease, but not diabetes. Seven different GLP-1 receptor agonists were tested in this study. The results showed that the GLP-1 receptor agonist reduced the risk of kidney failure by 16%. Additionally, the decline in the kidneys’ ability to filter blood (glomerular filtration rate) slowed by 22%. Overall, these drugs reduced the risk of kidney failure, kidney damage, and death from kidney disease by 19%.

a ray of hope

Professor Sunil Badve, lead author of the study, said, “Chronic kidney disease is a progressive disease that can eventually lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or kidney transplant. This disease not only affects the quality of life of the patients, but its treatment also incurs huge expenses. The results of this study offer a ray of hope for patients suffering from this disease.”