The Novo Nordisk pharmaceutical company announced on October 10, that it will terminate a clinical trial that was investigating the impact semaglutide on diabetic renal disease, one year before schedule. The trial was so successful that an independent panel decided that it was not necessary to continue. Ozempic is already recognized by medical groups like the American Diabetes Association as one of best medications for weight loss, glycemic management, and cardiovascular protection. However, the impact on kidney function has not been well understood. Now it appears that this medication may also be a popular choice for people with chronic kidney disease must irritate your health.
Diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Nephropathy is a long-term effect of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetics. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says that persistently high blood glucose levels can affect the kidneys’ ability to filter blood. The body will then accumulate waste and fluid in an unfavorable way. To check kidney function, doctors check the urine for a protein known as albumin. CKD is treatable, but if the damage continues, it could be fatal or severely crippling. When the kidneys fail, patients will need dialysis or kidney transplants to survive. Chronic kidney disease increases the risk for heart disease and metabolic disease.
Semaglutide, Renal Function
SGLT2 inhibitors are currently recommended for controlling high blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The ADA recommends GLP-1 receptor antagonists and canagliflozin for diabetic kidney patients who are unable to use an SGLT2 inhibitor or need extra medication to achieve blood sugar objectives. The ADA recommends GLP-1 receptor agonists for CKD sufferers who cannot use an SGLT2 or need additional medication to reach blood sugar goals.
Semaglutide has been shown to improve kidney function in some cases. In the 2016 SUSTAIN-6 study, semaglutide users who had type 2 diabetes were 36% less likely to develop nephropathy or have it worsen. The ADA, however, claims that these analyses are “limited”, as CKD patients weren’t specifically selected for the trial, nor evaluated. This extensive study involved almost 3,500 participants in 28 countries and 6 continents. All of them had a “high risk or very high” of CKD progressing, type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. According to a Novo Nordisk press release, the research was stopped “based on a DMC recommendation” (independent Data Monitoring Committee). These committees have been designated to carry out impartial interim assessments in clinical studies to ensure participant safety. The DMC can suggest an early study termination if interim results clearly show that the intervention being tested is having a positive or negative effect. The trial data is not known to Novo Nordisk staff in order to prevent conflicts of interest. Although the details will not be revealed for a while, it is clear that Ozempic has a protective effect on kidney function. To be eligible for an early termination, the medicine had to show that it met all or some of the key trial endpoints, including a notable decrease in the risks of kidney failure, kidney transplantation or mortality due to cardiorenal diseases.So your doctor should be involved .
According to Bloomberg, the announcement of Ozempic’s kidney advantages caused a dramatic decline in the stock prices of major dialysis companies.Semaglutide, which has been heralded as a game-changer and miracle medication, has achieved yet another triumph. Semaglutide, a type 2 diabetes drug that has been praised by many for its ability to suppress “food noise”, reduce addiction and control blood sugar levels over the long term. Semaglutide is not without its side effects, but due to the high demand for it, there’s a shortage. This has caused some patients to seek out potentially dangerous alternatives, such as Ozempic.
Diabetic Kidney Disease Treatment
According to the ADA’s guidelines, lifestyle changes and medication are used to treat renal disease in diabetics. It is important to stop the progression of CKD. Patients are advised to increase their efforts in monitoring and regulating their blood sugar. Hypertension is another significant risk factor. Patients are often prescribed ACE inhibitors to reduce high blood pressure. Statins may also be prescribed if high cholesterol worsens CKD. People with kidney disease are usually advised to follow a specific diet. The diets that are recommended for kidney disease usually start with diabetes-friendly principles, which emphasize whole foods while limiting sugars and refined carbohydrates. Patients may also be told to limit salt intake and substances their kidneys can’t process, like potassium. Different diets are needed depending on the stage chronic kidney disease. Patients on dialysis may need more protein whereas patients with early-stage CKD could be advised to limit their intake of protein.
