Approved uses · FDA-approved for some products
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease means the kidneys have been filtering less effectively for months or longer. It is measured mainly by eGFR, an estimate of filtering rate, and by the amount of protein appearing in urine. Diabetes is the most common cause. Like fatty liver disease it is largely silent early on, which is why people with diabetes have these numbers checked routinely rather than only when they feel unwell.
How GLP-1 medications work for chronic kidney disease
A GLP-1 medication is approved to reduce the risk of kidney disease worsening in adults who have both type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The approval rests on a trial measuring kidney outcomes directly, including decline in kidney function and death from kidney or cardiovascular causes. The benefit appears to involve reduced inflammation and pressure inside the kidney's filters as well as better blood sugar and blood pressure.
If you have both conditions, whether your medication is one of those carrying this indication is worth asking about specifically.
A tool for this is being built
We have not built an interactive tool for this one yet. When it exists it will appear on this page. In the meantime the tools we do have cover protein, hydration, fiber, side effects, and comparing the medications, and our email updates are where new ones get announced.
Other approved uses
Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity and Weight, Heart Disease, Sleep Apnea, Fatty Liver Disease.
Approval is specific to individual products, so a use listed here does not mean every GLP-1 medication carries it. Compare the medications to see how they differ, and take the question to your prescriber.