A recent study reveals that widely used obesity and diabetes medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, may offer unexpected kidney protection, potentially reducing the risk of kidney failure, deterioration, and related complications. Originally developed as treatments for diabetes, these GLP-1 receptor agonists—drugs that mimic a hormone regulating blood sugar—have also gained popularity for their effectiveness in managing obesity.
The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, reviewed data from 85,373 participants across 11 large clinical trials. It found that GLP-1 drugs reduced the risk of kidney failure by 16% and slowed kidney function decline by 22%, while also protecting heart health by lowering cardiovascular death risks by 14%. These findings suggest that the drugs may become vital in managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), a progressive condition often leading to dialysis and early death due to heart disease.
Lead researcher Professor Sunil Badve, from The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Sydney, noted that this is the first study to clearly demonstrate the kidney-protective effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists. He emphasized their potential for addressing not only kidney damage but also heart disease in patients with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular issues.
The study’s findings may influence future clinical guidelines for managing CKD and cardiovascular diseases, making these drugs crucial in treating a wide range of patients, regardless of whether they have diabetes. However, experts stress that more research is needed to integrate these results into everyday medical practice and ensure broader access to these potentially life-saving treatments.
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