New Medicines That Protect Your Kidneys
Great news: we now have medicines that can slow kidney disease and help you live longer. They work even if your blood sugar and blood pressure are already under control. Here are the three main types.
1. SGLT2 inhibitors (“flozins”)
These are once-a-day pills. Examples are dapagliflozin and empagliflozin. In large studies, they cut the risk of kidney failure by about one-third. They also protect your heart. They help people with and without diabetes. When you first start, your kidney number (eGFR) may dip a little. That is normal and expected — it does not mean the pill is hurting you.
2. GLP-1 medicines
Examples are semaglutide and dulaglutide. Most are a weekly shot; some come as a pill. They lower blood sugar, help with weight, and protect the kidneys and heart. A big study showed semaglutide slowed kidney disease in people with diabetes.
3. Finerenone
This is a once-a-day pill for people with diabetes and protein in the urine. It lowers the risk of kidney and heart problems. Your care team will check your potassium level while you take it.
What this means for you
Ask your doctor if one of these medicines is right for you. Many people take more than one, because they protect the kidney in different ways.
Know your numbers
Two simple tests find kidney disease early:
- A blood test (eGFR) — how well your kidneys clean your blood.
- A urine test (albumin) — checks for protein leaking into your urine.
Ask your doctor to check both.
