Medicine is moving faster than ever, especially for people managing both diabetes and kidney disease. For a long time, doctors only had a few options, but today, a new generation of “cardiorenal” (heart and kidney) protective drugs is changing the game.
The Modern “Toolkit”
Doctors now use a combination of medications to protect the kidneys.
- ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: These have been the “backbone” of treatment for years. They help lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys from scarring.
- SGLT2 Inhibitors: Originally made for blood sugar, these drugs have proven to be “kidney superstars”. They can reduce the risk of serious kidney events by 30% to 40%.
- GLP-1 Drugs: These medications (like semaglutide) are famous for weight loss, but new trials show they also offer significant protection against kidney disease progression.
- Finerenone: This is a newer type of medicine that helps stop inflammation and damage directly in the kidney.
Working Together
The future of care isn’t just about one pill; it’s about interdisciplinary strategies. This means the family doctor, kidney specialist, and other health professionals working as a team. Instead of treating the heart and kidneys as separate problems, doctors are starting to see them as one connected system.
Looking Ahead
Even more help is on the horizon. New drugs are being studied that may offer even better results for weight, blood sugar, and kidney health at the same time. While the science is complicated, the goal is simple: helping people with diabetes live longer, healthier lives without the fear of kidney failure.
About the author
Kristin Clemens
Dr. Kristin Clemens is a clinician-scientist and endocrinologist at Western University and St. Joseph's Health Care London. Her multidisciplinary research focuses upon improving the care and outcomes of people with diabetes, complex comorbidities and health disparities.