SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 RAs showed differential kidney outcome benefits in individuals with T2D, with comparative effectiveness varying by baseline kidney function and risk profile.
Kidney drugs comparedSGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 drugs protect kidneys differently depending on the patient's baseline kidney function
What the researchers found
SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA showed differential kidney outcome profiles in T2D, with comparative effectiveness varying by baseline kidney function and patient risk characteristics.
Why it matters
Kidney disease is the leading cause of T2D complications. Choosing the right drug for kidney protection could prevent dialysis.
How the study worked
Comparative effectiveness study of SGLT2i vs GLP-1 RA for kidney outcomes in T2D patients.
What this study cannot tell us
Details in full paper. Observational comparisons have inherent confounding.
How to read the evidence
Large comparative effectiveness study.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
Personalizing kidney-protective drug selection based on individual kidney risk represents precision nephrology.
Questions still open
- Should KFRE guide drug selection for kidney protection?
- Would combining both drugs provide additive kidney benefit?
- At what eGFR level does one drug clearly outperform the other?
Common questions
Which diabetes drug is better for kidneys?
Should I take both?
Read the original research
SGLT2 Inhibitors vs GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Kidney Outcomes in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes.
JAMA internal medicine, 186(3), 353-361
Citation
Jensen, Simon K; Heide-Jørgensen, Uffe; Andersen, Ina T; Bonnesen, Kasper; Fu, Edouard L; Thomsen, Reimar W; Christiansen, Christian F. (2026). SGLT2 Inhibitors vs GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Kidney Outcomes in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes.. JAMA internal medicine, 186(3), 353-361. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.7409