A new reason to pay attention to Ozempic-like medications
You’ve most likely heard of the medications Ozempic and Wegovy (both are brand names for semaglutide, a GLP-1 medication). GLP-1 medications have been helpful for weight loss for many people.
There is growing evidence that this class of medications also offers protection against kidney disease for people living with type 2 diabetes.
How do GLP-1 medications work?
Semaglutide belongs to a group of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications were developed to help manage blood glucose levels by mimicking the activity of a natural hormone (glucagon-like peptide 1) in the body.
Just as GLP-1 in the body naturally does, GLP-1 medications work by:
- telling the pancreas to make more insulin after you eat
- lowering the amount of glucose released by your liver
- slowing down the digestion of food
- reducing your appetite
The benefits of taking semaglutide
Semaglutide is most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle behaviours such as eating well and getting regular physical activity. Some of the benefits can include:
- improved blood glucose management
- weight loss
- positive impacts on blood pressure and heart health
When weight loss by any method occurs for people with type 2 diabetes, this helps improve blood pressure and cholesterol which in turn reduces the burden on the heart and blood vessels.
Why kidney health matters in diabetes
Kidneys are important for filtering waste from the blood. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage these delicate filtering systems.
For people living with type 2 diabetes, keeping the kidneys healthy can mean avoiding complications such as dialysis and even heart failure.
A recent trial sponsored by the drug manufacturer and published in June 2026 (FLOW trial) showed that people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease who took semaglutide once a week had improved kidney function and survival outcomes compared to people with diabetes who did not take the medication. This effect was observed whether or not they had a previous history of heart failure, heart attack or stroke.
What does the recent trial not tell us?
The FLOW trial doesn’t tell us whether semaglutide is better at improving kidney health than other medications you might be taking for diabetes. In the FLOW trial semaglutide wasn’t compared to any other medications.
For now, it’s clear GLP-1s can be helpful for certain people living with type 2 diabetes. If you’re curious about whether these medications might be right for you, it’s best to talk with your GP or diabetes care team.
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Link to original trial
Kidney and Survival Benefits of Semaglutide in Diabetes With Chronic Kidney Disease: FLOW Trial Cardiovascular Subgroup Analyses | JACC
