Do GLP-1 meds help kidney function?

I’m also wondering if GLP-1 meds help kidney function. One thing occurred to me is that I don’t think they hurt kidney function. I say this because my daughter has been prescribed Zepbound. She only has one kidney. She was a living kidney donor for her grandpa when he was in end stage renal disease and needed a transplant. But as with all treatments and medications, the benefits and risks need to be considered regarding the individual’s situation before making any changes. Your medical provider (who knows your history) can help you do this.

Hello. I was diagnosed with CKD last November. I am low Stage 2 and my Dr has me on GLP-1 and Jardience. I have lost about 30 pounds and my blood pressure is lower. I feel great. I don’t know the big picture of how well these things work but I’m encouraged that my last test showed that my illness is not progressing very much. I hope that helps.

@edjag74 just curious, what GLP-1 have you been put on? Jardiance is a SGLT-2. I did not know that they are used together. After a while these abbreviations and acronyms start to sound like alphabet soup don’t they?

GLP-1 was approved for those patients with CKD and Type-1 diabetes.

Recent studies showed benefit for CKD in those patients with no signs of diabetes.

When I tried to discuss this with my then Nephrologist, he objected to my meddeling in his medicine.

I have an appointment with a Mayo Clinic Nephrologist next month (lucky me), hopefully he will be more scientific.

I am trying to understand if the weight loss associated with GLP-1 is the driver for the CKD improvement or it is something in the medication itself. Myu BMI is about 24 so I'm not really in need of more weight loss, but at CKD-4 with no medical intervention, I'm hoping for some medication to slow my rate of decline.

@stuartbell I too have looked into the studies about the effect GLP-1 on Kidney functions and they are positive. I have started taking GLP-1 now for 2 months, next month I will get some blood work done to see the affect it might have had. Sound like you got rid of the Nephrologist you had seems like he was very closed minded.

good luck with your GLP – l

I am hopeful that the new nephrologist from Mayo Clinic will be more assertive in looking for the cause, and helping me manage the decline of my kidneys

After reading the side effects of Farxiga including necrosis of the perineum, albeit not common, I decided against it. Anyway, now I am taking Atorvastatin statin. This particular statin can also help CKD.

@klp
My husband has many lingering issues initiated during treatment for lung cancer which is now in remission. Many immunotherapy effects have been resolved (Afibs, BP, rashes, thyroid, energy, rhinitis, appetite, etc) but his diabetes type 2 has not been controlled by highest doses of Jardiance and Metformin, which has caused CKD 3a. Dr is considering adding GLP-1 to improve A1C to improve kidney function. Sigh.

God bless your daughter. May she have good health and live a long and wonderful life.

@jeffdief

Sorry for the late reply.

I was 227 when I started Zepbound and am 147 now.

In terms of diet, I would say I don't crave certain foods, ( pastas, pastries, etc.), but I also work 1300-0100 with an hour commute on each side, so I don't have a set eating schedule. I'd be lying if I said I made a huge overhaul but I sort of lost interest in certain foods.