Anti-obesity medications show promise for kidney transplant recipients with type 2 diabetes

A new study has found that GLP-1 receptor agonists, may significantly benefit kidney transplant recipients with type 2 diabetes. The research, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, suggests that these medications reduce the risk of organ failure and improve survival rates in transplant patients.

Led by researchers at NYU Langone Health, the study analysed the medical records of over 18,000 kidney transplant recipients with pre-existing diabetes in the United States between 2013 and 2020. Among them, 1,916 patients were prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide.

Findings showed that patients on these medications were 49 per cent less likely to experience organ failure, reducing the need for dialysis and 31 per cent less likely to die within five years of starting the medication.

This is a significant breakthrough, as obesity is not only a risk factor for type 2 diabetes but also increases the likelihood of post-surgical complications, such as inflammation, organ rejection, and premature mortality.

While the study supports the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists, it also highlights the need for careful monitoring. Patients using these drugs were found to have a 49 per cent higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness if blood sugar levels are not well managed. However, the study found no increased risk of pancreatic inflammation, liver issues, or thyroid cancer.

Dr Babak Orandi, transplant surgeon and obesity medicine specialist at NYU Langone Health, emphasised the importance of these findings: “Our study provides the strongest real-world clinical evidence to date that GLP-1 receptor agonists are both safe and effective in kidney transplant recipients with type 2 diabetes.” He also recommends that physicians monitor patients closely, particularly those with uncontrolled diabetes, to minimise the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

The study suggests that careful management can help maximise the benefits of these medications. Key recommendations include screening for diabetic retinopathy before starting GLP-1 receptor agonists. gradual dose escalation (titration) to prevent sudden blood sugar changes and close monitoring of blood sugar levels to ensure proper diabetes management.

More research is needed to fully understand how GLP-1 receptor agonists improve kidney function after transplantation. However, these findings offer new hope for kidney transplant recipients with type 2 diabetes, reinforcing the role of GLP-1s as a valuable treatment option for both diabetes management and long-term transplant success.