Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists can stop people from developing kidney complications, new research has revealed.
Academics from the George Institute for Global Health have found that GLP-1 receptor agonists offer the same renal benefits to both those with and without diabetes.
Often used to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists stimulate insulin production and lower blood sugar levels by mimicing the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1.
More recently, GLP-1 receptor agonists have been used to treat obesity because they can reduce hunger levels by making you feel full for longer and slowing digestion.
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In this study, the researchers looked at 11 large-scale clinical trials involving 85,373 people, some of whom were using different GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as liraglutide (Victoza), semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) and dulaglutide (Trulicity).
They found that the individuals using GLP-1 receptor agonists were 16% less at risk of developing kidney failure compared to those on placebo.
In addition, those using GLP-1 receptor agonists had better kidney function compared to the participants in the placebo group, the study has reported.
People using GLP-1 receptor agonists were also 13% less at risk of death by any cause, the experts have said.
Previous research has discovered that GLP-1 receptor agonists can prevent people from experiencing a non-fatal heart attack and non-fatal stroke.
Senior author Professor Sunil Badve said: “The study expanded current knowledge about this class of drugs in key areas, including benefits in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
“This is the first study to show a clear benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonists on kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease, suggesting they have a key role in kidney-protective and heart-protective treatment for patients with common medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity with cardiovascular disease, or CKD.”
He added: “These results are particularly important for patients with chronic kidney disease. It is a progressive condition eventually leading to kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation and is associated with premature death, mostly from heart disease.
“It has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and incurs substantial healthcare costs.”
Affecting 10% of the global population, CKD is the tenth leading cause of death, with experts predicting it could rise to the fifth most common by 2050.
People with CKD are more at risk of developing further health conditions, such as obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Corresponding author Professor Vlado Perkovic said: “This research shows that GLP-1 receptor agonists could play an important role in addressing the global burden of non-communicable diseases.
“Our study will have a major impact on clinical guideline for the management of CKD and cardiovascular disease in people with and without diabetes.”
Professor Perkovic added: “More work is now needed to implement the results of this study into clinical practice and improve access to GLP-1 receptor agonists to people who will benefit from them.”
The study has been published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
