New diabetes medications may improve kidney function in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Kidney health is a major concern for many individuals who have type 2 diabetes, since the need for dialysis or an organ transplant is common among people who have the disease.
According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), individuals with diabetes account for 44 percent of the new cases of chronic kidney failure each year in the U.S. The organization states that about 180,000 diabetics in the country are living with kidney failure brought on by the metabolic disease.
However, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that an anti-inflammatory drug may help improve kidney function in people with type 2 diabetes.
The research, which involved more than 220 participants with type 2 diabetes, showed that individuals who took bardoxolone methyl experienced significant increases in the glomerular filtration rates - a process used by the kidneys to remove waste from the blood.
The study's results showed that the drug not only improved kidney function while the subjects were taking it, but it also provided benefits even after the individuals ceased treatment.
"If it’s confirmed to be effective and safe in the long term, this drug could potentially have a major positive impact on kidney disease and become part of the standard of care," said lead researcher Robert Toto.
The NKUDIC explains that diabetics who have impaired kidney function may be instructed to consume a diabetic diet that involves low or moderate amounts of protein to help delay the onset of chronic kidney failure.
Intensive management of blood glucose levels, which involves frequent blood sugar screenings and insulin doses to keep levels within normal range, may also help individuals with type 2 diabetes reduce their risk of kidney complications.
According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), individuals with diabetes account for 44 percent of the new cases of chronic kidney failure each year in the U.S. The organization states that about 180,000 diabetics in the country are living with kidney failure brought on by the metabolic disease.
However, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that an anti-inflammatory drug may help improve kidney function in people with type 2 diabetes.
The research, which involved more than 220 participants with type 2 diabetes, showed that individuals who took bardoxolone methyl experienced significant increases in the glomerular filtration rates - a process used by the kidneys to remove waste from the blood.
The study's results showed that the drug not only improved kidney function while the subjects were taking it, but it also provided benefits even after the individuals ceased treatment.
"If it’s confirmed to be effective and safe in the long term, this drug could potentially have a major positive impact on kidney disease and become part of the standard of care," said lead researcher Robert Toto.
The NKUDIC explains that diabetics who have impaired kidney function may be instructed to consume a diabetic diet that involves low or moderate amounts of protein to help delay the onset of chronic kidney failure.
Intensive management of blood glucose levels, which involves frequent blood sugar screenings and insulin doses to keep levels within normal range, may also help individuals with type 2 diabetes reduce their risk of kidney complications.
First published on: June 28, 2011
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