A study led by an Indian-origin researcher has found that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, a drug that helps with weight loss and blood sugar control, may help protect the kidneys. Can also help, whether the person has diabetes or not.
GLP-1 receptor agonists were first developed to treat diabetes, but the drug is beneficial for both people with and without diabetes. The results of this study have been published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal. This medicine increases insulin production in the body and lowers blood sugar. Additionally, it slows down digestion, reduces appetite and helps in weight loss by giving a feeling of fullness.
Researchers at the George Institute for Global Health conducted the study to understand the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on chronic kidney disease, a serious disease that affects about 1 in 10 people worldwide and about 850 million people. Its symptoms are. Researchers analyzed 11 large clinical trials conducted on 85,373 people. Of these, 67,769 people were suffering from type-2 diabetes, while 17,604 people were only obese or suffering from heart disease, but did not have diabetes.
To this end, the team studied seven different GLP-1 receptor agonists. The results found that the GLP-1 receptor agonist reduced the risk of kidney failure by 16%. The decline in the kidney’s 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%.
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 transplantation. This disease not only affects the quality of life of the patients but its treatment also costs a lot. The results of this study provide hope for patients suffering from this disease.”
