Semaglutide Treatment Shows Promising Results for Diabetes and Kidney Disease Patients

Weekly injections of semaglutide medications such as Ozempic have been found to greatly decrease the chances of serious kidney issues, heart problems, and death in individuals with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, as per a recent study.

The injectable drug Ozempic is shown Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

The injectable drug Ozempic is shown Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

David J. Phillip/AP

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Diabetes is a major risk factor for kidney disease, which is a top cause of death in the US and globally. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 3 people with diabetes also has chronic kidney disease.

Exciting new research reveals that weekly injections of semaglutide can reduce the risk of severe outcomes from diabetic kidney disease by approximately 24%.

In the study, it was found that severe outcomes such as significant loss of kidney function, kidney failure, and death from kidney or cardiovascular causes occurred less frequently among participants who were treated with semaglutide compared to those who received the placebo. Specifically, there were 331 events in the semaglutide group and 410 events in the placebo group. When adjusted for the length of time each person was in the trial, there were 5.8 events for every 100 years of follow-up in the semaglutide group, compared to 7.5 events for every 100 years of follow-up in the placebo group.

People with diabetes may experience damage to their kidney blood vessels due to high sugar levels in their blood, which can also put a strain on the heart. The study also revealed additional benefits of semaglutide treatment for individuals with diabetic kidney disease.

Paragraph: Overall, the research showed that kidney function declined at a slower rate in individuals who were treated with semaglutide compared to those who received the placebo.

Rebekah Carl poses with her prescription of Wegovy in New Columbia, Pennsylvania, U.S., November 13, 2023. Photo taken on November 13, 2023. REUTERS/Hannah Beier

Paragraph: Furthermore, the study found that the individuals who were treated with semaglutide had an 18% lower risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks. Additionally, their risk of death from any cause was 20% lower compared to those who received the placebo.

Rebekah Carl poses with her prescription of Wegovy in New Columbia, Pennsylvania, U.S., November 13, 2023. Photo taken on November 13, 2023. REUTERS/Hannah Beier

Hannah Beier/Reuters

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The study, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Renal Association Congress, looked at the results of a drug trial involving around 3,500 individuals from 28 different countries. These participants all had both type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Half of them received weekly injections of 1 milligram of semaglutide, a medication known as Ozempic in the US for treating type 2 diabetes. The other half received a placebo.

The study followed the participants for an average of approximately 3½ years. Originally planned to last four or five years, the trial was cut short because the results were so positive. An independent monitoring committee recommended ending the study early due to the promising findings.

Dr. Vlado Perkovic, a nephrologist and provost at the University of New South Wales Sydney, stated that the trial demonstrated the significant benefits of using semaglutide for individuals with diabetes and kidney disease. He led the study and chaired the trial's steering committee.

Dr. Perkovic mentioned that the effect size of the treatment was larger than anticipated, resulting in highly statistically significant outcomes. He expressed confidence in the robustness and authenticity of the results, emphasizing the minimal chance of them being a random occurrence.

Three other drug treatments have been found to help people with diabetic kidney disease. In the new study, researchers suggest that both clinicians and patients should think about when to use semaglutide along with other therapies.

It is important to remember that combining different treatments could be beneficial. Many trial participants were already undergoing other forms of diabetes treatment as well.

A needle injection pen is seen in this illustration photo

A needle injection pen is seen in this illustration photo

Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images/File

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Many people who use GLP-1s for weight loss tend to stop their treatment too soon, according to research findings. It is important to note that the results of using GLP-1s may vary for each individual, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

"Semaglutide has shown additional benefits beyond the current standard of care," mentioned Martin Holst Lange, the executive vice president of development at Novo Nordisk. This Danish company is the sole manufacturer of semaglutide products approved for use in the US. These products include Ozempic for diabetes treatment and Wegovy for obesity treatment. The study conducted was funded by Novo Nordisk.

Across all levels of starting kidney function, similar benefits were found, with a special focus on those at highest risk. In fact, more than two-thirds of participants in the trial were considered to be at very high risk of severe outcomes like kidney failure, cardiovascular events, or death, as per risk calculators in global clinical guidelines.

Focusing on this high-risk group not only provides clearer insight into the benefits of treatment, but it also sheds light on how many people are unaware they have kidney disease until it reaches advanced stages. Shockingly, during each year of the trial, about 8% of participants experienced a major kidney event, and nearly 5% of individuals passed away.

"Diabetic kidney disease, also known as kidney disease caused by diabetes, is a common and serious complication of diabetes. However, it is concerning that there is a lack of awareness about this issue," stated Dr. Katherine Tuttle, who leads the Diabetic Kidney Disease Collaborative for the American Society of Nephrology. She also holds positions as the research director at Providence Inland Northwest Health, a researcher at the Institute of Translational Health Sciences, and a professor of medicine at the University of Washington.

A pharmacist holds a box of Novo Nordisk A/S Ozempic brand semaglutide medication arranged at a pharmacy in Provo, Utah, US, on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. Prescriptions of appetite suppressing GLP-1 weight-loss drugs skyrocketed 300% from 2020 to 2022.

A pharmacist in Provo, Utah, is seen holding a box of Novo Nordisk A/S Ozempic brand semaglutide medication. This medication is known for its appetite suppressing properties and is classified as a GLP-1 weight-loss drug. The demand for these types of prescriptions has increased significantly, with a 300% surge observed from 2020 to 2022.

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Kidney disease can be hard to detect early because there are often no symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. This is why it's important for both doctors and patients to actively look for signs of the condition.

For individuals with diabetes, it is advised to undergo kidney disease screenings every six months using blood or urine tests. However, not everyone follows this recommendation, and some only seek testing when they start experiencing symptoms like tiredness, swelling, or changes in urination patterns.

Diabetes treatments are in high demand because it’s such a common disease. Semaglutide is promising because it has benefits that can help with multiple complications that may arise due to diabetes. These products not only lower blood sugar but have also been shown to aid in weight loss, heart failure, and potentially reducing addictive behaviors.

According to Tuttle, who was part of the new research, drugs like semaglutide that affect multiple final common pathways are highly effective. Instead of just treating one risk factor, semaglutide addresses a broad spectrum of risks. It can reduce weight, lower glucose levels, slightly decrease blood pressure, and even have direct effects on the kidneys. Semaglutide is considered to be a comprehensive solution for managing diabetes and its complications.

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There are big differences in how common diabetes and kidney disease are in the US. According to CDC data, Black, Hispanic, and American Indian adults are almost twice as likely to have diabetes compared to White adults. Additionally, Black people in the US are around three times more likely to develop kidney failure than White adults.

Despite these disparities, most of the participants in the semaglutide trial were White. This means that the findings from the trial could not accurately represent important subgroups.

Tuttle emphasized the importance of providing effective treatments to patients in need. However, she pointed out that many high-risk individuals who could benefit from treatment do not have access to it.

She further highlighted the positive impact of highly effective therapy in preserving kidney function, extending life, and reducing cardiovascular events. Tuttle stressed that these benefits can only be realized if people have access to the treatment. Therefore, she urged for a quicker transition from evidence generation to implementation to ensure that patients receive the care they need.

Editor's P/S:

The study's findings highlight the significant benefits of semaglutide in reducing severe outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The drug's ability to slow kidney function decline, lower cardiovascular risk, and extend life expectancy demonstrates its potential as a transformative treatment. It is particularly promising for those at high risk of severe complications, who often face limited treatment options.

However, it is crucial to address the disparities in access to effective treatments. The study's predominantly White population raises concerns about the generalizability of the findings and underscores the need for research that reflects the diverse populations affected by diabetes and kidney disease. To fully realize the benefits of semaglutide and other promising therapies, efforts must be made to ensure equitable access and implementation, particularly for underserved communities.