A RETROSPECTIVE cohort study has revealed that the use of SGLT2 inhibitors significantly improves kidney health in a diverse group of Asian adults with Type 2 diabetes. The research, conducted by scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, highlights the potential of these medications to combat chronic kidney disease (CKD) in populations at higher risk of complications.
“Diabetes is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic kidney disease, which leads to significant health challenges including morbidity, high mortality, and reduced quality of life,” said the research team behind the study.
The study analysed data from the SingHealth Diabetes Registry, focusing on 4,254 patients who started SGLT2 inhibitors or other glucose-lowering medications between 2014 and 2018. The cohort, with a mean age of 63.4 years, included a diverse ethnic representation: 67.8% Chinese, 15.6% Malay, 11.9% Indian, and 4.7% other ethnicities.
Findings showed that SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a lower risk of significant kidney function decline. Patients taking these medications were 61% less likely to experience an eGFR decline of 40% or more, or to require kidney replacement therapy. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the annual rate of eGFR decline by 2.67 mL/min per 1.73 m² compared to other treatments.
The median follow-up period was 25.6 months, during which the medications also lowered the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Importantly, there was no observed increase in the risk of amputation.
“In our real-world multiethnic cohort, SGLT2 inhibitors demonstrated substantial protective effects on kidney function,” the researchers stated. They also called for further efforts to optimise the use of these medications, particularly in high-risk populations in Asia and beyond.
These findings have shed light on the growing evidence that SGLT2 inhibitors could play a critical role in mitigating diabetes-related kidney complications, offering hope for improved outcomes in vulnerable groups.
Reference
Feng L et al. Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and prevention of adverse kidney outcomes in Type 2 diabetes: a clinical multiethnic Asian cohort. Kidney Med. 2024;DOI:10.1016/j.xkme.2024.100963.