Diabetes and Obesity Drugs Found to Protect Kidney Health

New research highlights significant kidney and heart benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists for patients with or without diabetes.

A meta-analysis of 11 clinical trials involving over 85,000 participants shows GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce the risk of kidney failure by 16% and worsening kidney function by 22%.
The study confirms a 19% combined reduction in kidney failure, kidney function decline, and death due to kidney disease when using these medications.
GLP-1 receptor agonists also lower cardiovascular risks, reducing heart-related deaths, non-fatal heart attacks, and strokes by 14%.
The drugs, originally developed for diabetes and later used for obesity, offer protective benefits for patients with chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
Researchers emphasize the need to integrate these findings into clinical practice and improve access to these medications for at-risk populations.