To date, we still don't fully understand the importance of the kidney. It's an inconspicuous organ, there's two of them, and they're replaceable—but that doesn’t mean they aren't vital. In fact, kidney disease is among the leading causes of death worldwide.
That's why today is a great today. A recent study found that Ozempic, a popular drug for weight loss, can help prevent complications in people with chronic kidney disease.
At least for people with diabetes. Ozempic is a drug for diabetes, so researchers tested it on a group of patients with the disease. They chose this group of patients not only because it would be easier to study the drug's effects, but also because diabetes is a critical factor in kidney disease.
In general, high blood sugar levels in diabetes affect the blood vessels of the kidneys like they affect the heart. As such, about one third of people with diabetes eventually develop chronic kidney disease.
The importance of semaglutide. Weekly injections of semaglutide—the active ingredient in Ozempic—reduce severe risk of kidney disease in people with diabetes by about 24%. Severe risk refers to losing kidney function, kidney failure, and death.
And the results are incredibly promising. This study involved 3,500 people from 28 countries with an average age of 31.5 years. Compared to the placebo group, the group using semaglutide had better kidney function, 18% fewer heart problems, and a 20% lower risk of death.
A medical revolution. A few days ago, a group of independent researchers said that these drugs were “the greatest medical advance since statins” to treat cardiovascular problems. Besides, Ozempic improves fertility and helps with alcohol problems. Now, we know that it also has positive effects on our kidneys. In other words, it reduces three of the world’s major health risks.
But the best thing is that we’re only at the beginning of a revolution that could change everything we know about some of the world’s most lethal diseases.
Image | Chemist4U
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