Should a Basic Treatment Be Prioritized to Protect the Kidneys of Diabetics?

Experts agree on the importance of protecting the kidneys in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Medications that help eliminate sugar through urine should be used first, regardless of weight, as they reduce risks to the heart and kidneys. Those that promote insulin production can be added as a supplement for individuals who are severely overweight or have metabolic complications. This combined approach is especially recommended in cases of progressing kidney disease, high cardiovascular risk, or insufficient metabolic control.

Information and Sources

Scientific Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-026-03618-z

Title: Defining the Roles of SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes With or Without Overweight/Obesity: An International Delphi Consensus

Journal: Advances in Therapy

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Yehuda Handelsman; Alice Y. Y. Cheng; Gian Paolo Fadini; Pam Kushner; Fabrice Bonnet; Paola Fioretto; Takashi Kadowaki; Naresh Kanumilli; Xavier Cos; Thomas Frese; Linong Ji; Peter Rossing