Some weight loss and diabetes medications can improve kidney health. These can reduce the risk of worsening symptoms associated with kidney function. The finding is important because the symptoms can lead to kidney failure and death from kidney disease.
Scientists conducted a meta-analysis based on 11 large-scale clinical trials of weight loss drugs. In carrying out the study, 85,373 people were evaluated. The group included people with type 2 diabetes and people with cardiovascular disease who were overweight or obese but did not have type 2 diabetes.
Some weight loss and diabetes medications can improve kidney health
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are a class of drugs, conform The Guardian. They help: lose weight, manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease.
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A recent study shows that this class of drugs may have beneficial effects on kidney health. The research looked at seven different GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide, dulaglutide and liraglutide.
GLP-1 receptor agonists can reduce the risk of kidney failure by 16% and worsening kidney function by 22%. They can reduce the risk of kidney failure and worsening of kidney function symptoms. In addition, they can lower the risk of death from kidney disease by 19%.
Of the 85,373 participants, 67,769 had type 2 diabetes and 17,604 were overweight or had obesity and cardiovascular disease but no diabetes.
“Our study will have a major impact on clinical guidelines for the management of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease in people with and without diabetes. More work is now needed to implement the results of this study into clinical practice and to improve access to GLP-1 receptor agonists for the people who will benefit from them.” said Vlado Perkovic, Professor at The George Institute, UNSW Sydney, according to the Daily Mail.
Researchers claim that taking it can reduce the risk of kidney disease and cardiovascular disease
The research confirmed previous findings that weight-loss drugs can protect cardiovascular health. They can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, non-fatal heart attack and non-fatal stroke by 14%. Death from any cause decreased by 13% in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
GLP-1 receptor agonists can significantly reduce clinically important renal events such as renal failure and cardiovascular events, according to the study published in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
“These results are particularly important for patients with chronic kidney disease. It is a progressive condition that eventually leads to kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant and is associated with premature death, especially from heart disease. It has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and includes substantial healthcare costs.” explained Sunil Badve, lead author of the study and professor at the George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Sydney.
Also, if you notice symptoms of kidney disease, it is recommended to see a doctor. These include: high blood pressure, feeling constantly tired, foamy urine, swelling and loss of appetite.
(in Jimmy Carr’s dry tone) Ah, fantastic news, folks. We’ve discovered that some weight loss and diabetes medications can actually improve kidney health. Because, let’s be honest, who needs a functioning kidney when you can just lose weight and live off diet soda? (chuckles)
But seriously, the scientists have done a meta-analysis, which is just a fancy way of saying “they’ve looked at a lot of other studies and mashed them all together.” And what they found was that these Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists – try saying that five times fast – can reduce the risk of kidney failure by 16% and worsening kidney function by 22%. Not bad, eh? (smirking) Now, who’s up for a nice game of “Who Can Pronounce GLP-1 The Fastest”?
Now, according to Professor Vlado Perkovic from The George Institute, UNSW Sydney, “Our study will have a major impact on clinical guidelines for the management of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease in people with and without diabetes.” (in Rowan Atkinson’s silly voice) Oh, wonderful! More guidelines! Just what we needed. Because, you know, there aren’t enough guidelines already. I mean, have you seen the rulebook for the average IKEA instruction manual? (audience laughter)
But in all seriousness, folks, this is a significant discovery. These GLP-1 receptor agonists can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke by 14%. And death from any cause decreased by 13% in patients treated with these wonder drugs. (in Ricky Gervais’ sarcastic tone) Blimey! That’s like winning a free ticket to the “Get Out of Death” concert. (laughter)
Now, if you’re experiencing symptoms of kidney disease – high blood pressure, constant tiredness, foamy urine (which, let’s be honest, is just a gross concept in itself), swelling, and loss of appetite – it’s probably a good idea to visit a doctor. (in Lee Evans’ cockney accent) Blimey, mate, don’t be a plonker! Get yourself checked out!
In conclusion, this is fantastic news for those of you with kidney problems. (in Jimmy Carr’s dry tone) I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of a medication that can help you lose weight and improve your kidney health? It’s like a two-for-one deal! (chuckles) Although, on the flip side, who needs a functioning kidney when you can just eat a nice plate of biscuits and carry on regardless? (laughter)
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(Laughter and winks) That is, of course, a joke. Do visit a doctor if you’re experiencing any of those symptoms. Your kidneys (and your doctor) will thank you.
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Cue ending jingle: “Stay healthy, stay happy, and for the love of biscuits, take care of your kidneys!”
