A new study led by NYU Langone Health has revealed that anti-obesity drugs, particularly GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide), can significantly benefit kidney transplant recipients with type 2 diabetes. These medications, originally developed for diabetes management, were found to reduce the likelihood of kidney failure and extend survival rates in transplant recipients.
The research focused on kidney transplant patients with pre-existing type 2 diabetes. The study showed that those treated with GLP-1 agonists within three years of their transplant were 49% less likely to experience kidney failure and had a 31% reduced risk of dying within five years compared to those who did not receive the drugs.
Despite concerns over the potential side effects of GLP-1 agonists, such as inflammation of the pancreas, liver issues, and an increased risk of thyroid cancer due to immune-suppressing medications used after transplants, the study found no significant increase in these risks. However, it did reveal that patients treated with GLP-1 agonists had a 49% higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can cause vision loss in diabetic patients.
Dr. Babak Orandi, the lead investigator and a transplant surgeon, emphasized that the study provides compelling evidence that GLP-1 agonists are generally safe and effective in treating type 2 diabetes in kidney transplant recipients. However, he noted that careful monitoring of eye health is essential, particularly since diabetic retinopathy can worsen if blood sugar levels are corrected too quickly.
The study, which analyzed data from over 18,000 kidney transplant patients in the U.S. between 2013 and 2020, highlights the promising benefits of GLP-1 agonists in post-transplant care. While further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind the drugs’ effects on kidney health, this study marks a significant step forward in improving outcomes for kidney transplant recipients with diabetes.
The findings were published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology on March 5, 2025, and could lead to changes in treatment protocols for managing diabetes in kidney transplant patients.
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