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A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that medications commonly used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes may offer additional protection to their hearts and kidneys. The research focused on Sodium-Glucose Cotransport Protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which not only regulate blood sugar but also demonstrate potential in safeguarding vital organs.
SGLT2 inhibitors are known for reducing blood sugar levels by increasing glucose excretion through urine, a process that may also contribute to the heart and kidney protection observed in the study. The research, conducted on over 230,000 adults with type 2 diabetes and acute kidney disease (AKD), tracked their health outcomes over a period of five years after discharge.
Dr. Vin-Cent Wu, a nephrologist at National Taiwan University Hospital and one of the authors of the study, highlighted the need for specific pharmacotherapy to protect patients facing kidney-related risks due to diabetes. The study aimed to fill this gap by comparing outcomes between AKD patients who received SGLT2 inhibitors and those who did not.
The results revealed striking differences between the two groups. Patients who received SGLT2 inhibitors showed significantly lower mortality rates and fewer adverse kidney and heart events. Specifically, there was a 31% reduced risk of mortality among those treated with SGLT2 inhibitors compared to those who were not.
However, despite the promising findings, only a small percentage (2.3%) of AKD patients in the study were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors, indicating a low prescription rate in clinical practice.
Dr. Wu emphasized the importance of increasing awareness and consideration of these drugs in clinical decision-making. While the study showed promising results, some caution is warranted due to potential confounding factors that could influence the outcomes.
Dr. Ayodele Odutayo, a nephrologist at the University of Toronto, noted that the study aligns with existing knowledge about the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors. He highlighted the underuse of these medications, possibly due to concerns about side effects, stressing that the benefits typically outweigh the risks for most patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The study signals a potential avenue for optimizing treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes patients with kidney complications and highlights the need for wider utilization of SGLT2 inhibitors to safeguard their health.
