A NEW study has found that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors significantly reduce the risk of kidney failure in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5. Researchers analysed Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to assess the impact of these medications in this high-risk group.
The study followed T2DM patients newly diagnosed with CKD5, dividing them into two groups: those who used SGLT2 inhibitors for at least three months and those who did not. After a 1:4 propensity score matching to balance characteristics, results showed that patients on SGLT2 inhibitors had a 41% lower risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared to those not taking the medication (35.9% versus 58.2%, HR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.59–0.74).
Despite the significant kidney benefits, the study found no increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACCEs), infections requiring hospitalisation, infection-associated mortality, or all-cause mortality between the two groups. These findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors could offer renal protection without increasing infection risks in CKD5 patients with diabetes.
The study provides real-world evidence supporting the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in advanced diabetic kidney disease, reinforcing their potential role in preventing disease progression. Further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies and improve outcomes for these high-risk patients.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Huang B et al. SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of renal failure in CKD stage 5 patients with Type 2 DM. Sci Rep. 2025;DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-81973-z.
