Glucagon-like Peptide-1 and Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 in the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients Without Diabetes

Authors

• Dylan J. Haley PA-C, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Nephrology

Advisor

Dr. Thomas Colletti

Abstract

This review examines clinical trials published in the past three years supporting the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The implementation of these two medications in the treatment of CKD would expand the scope of the current guidelines. The current guidelines in regards to the usage of GLP-1s and SGLT2s in the treatment of CKD are based on trials that were conducted within the last 5 years. However, the scope of usage for these medications in the treatment of CKD was narrow, as the experimental group was limited to subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (TIIDM). In the 2-3 years following the aforementioned trials, new trials were conducted which support the expansion of these medications to include those without a concurrent diagnosis of TIIDM. These two classes of medications have shown a great degree of efficacy in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease, potentially due to anti-inflammatory effects. Currently, these medications are utilized at a high rate in the treatment of CKD, but only in patients concurrently diagnosed with TIIDM (type 2 diabetes mellitus). However, the usage of GLP-1 and SGLT2 medications in managing patients with CKD that do not have concurrent TIIDM diagnosis is far less. This review was conducted using PubMed, and 3 publications were found to expand the degree of efficacy that was established by 2 earlier published trials that are also referenced in this review. Further evidence is provided throughout, obtained from PubMed, to support the efficacy of the medications mentioned. The evidence displayed in this review serves as support in favor of altering the current guidelines in keeping with recent findings. These findings are in favor of expanding GLP-1 and SGLT2 usage to include patients that have CKD without TIIDM, as well as remove financial barriers imposed by insurance companies. Reconciling treatment guidelines to reflect the most up to date research affords patients with the best CKD management regardless of diabetes status.

Recommended Citation

Haley DJ. Glucagon-like Peptide-1 and Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 in the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients Without Diabetes. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).