Diabetes drug can improve kidney function: Lancet

A clinical trial of 4,304 participants with CKD revealed that dapagliflozin reduces the rate of kidney function decline in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

San Diego: A common diabetes drug can be used as an option for treating certain people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults, claims a study published in the journal Lancet.

Dapagliflozin belongs to a group of medicines called 'sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors'.

An SGLT2 inhibitor works by blocking the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys. Blocking this protein alleviates kidney damage by reducing pressure and inflammation in the kidneys. It also helps to stop protein from leaking into the urine, and reduces blood pressure and body weight.