In a nutshell
This study examined whether long-term treatment with liraglutide (Victoza) can improve kidney function and reduce blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Some background
Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a high risk of developing diabetic kidney disease. High blood glucose levels can increase kidney function, resulting in progressive damage to the kidney. This progressive damage can result in diabetic kidney disease. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) are used to measure kidney function.
GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide are currently prescribed for T2D patients to reduce blood glucose levels. GLP-1 receptor agonists increase insulin secretion to result in improved blood glucose control and reduced body weight. However, liraglutide may also improve kidney function in patients with T2D. A recent study involving 31 T2D patients demonstrated that liraglutide could improve kidney function in the short-term. However, its long-term beneficial effects are not known.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether liraglutide can lead to a long-term improvement in kidney function.
This study involved 2 groups. 23 participants were treated with liraglutide for up to 52 weeks, while 7 participants stopped taking liraglutide after 7 weeks. Patients were followed for one year.
Patients taking liraglutide had an 11 ml/min reduction in GFR. These patients also saw a 27 mg/d reduction in UAER. These decreases were not influenced by blood glucose levels, blood pressure or weight. Blood pressure was reduced by 8.2 mmHg in patients receiving liraglutide. Patients who did not receive liraglutide for the full year did not have an improvement in kidney function or blood pressure.
The bottom line
This study concluded that long-term treatment with liraglutide is associated with improved kidney function and a lower blood pressure.
The fine print
The number of participants involved was quite small. Further studies on larger populations are needed.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of liraglutide treatment.
Published By :
Journal of Diabetes and its Complications
Date :
Apr 11, 2015
