Semaglutide for Diabetic Kidney Disease in Type 1 Diabetes

(RT1D Trial)

This trial explores how semaglutide affects kidney health and blood sugar control in people with type 1 diabetes. Researchers aim to determine if this treatment can improve kidney function and oxygen levels while remaining safe and effective for diabetes management. Participants will receive either semaglutide (a medication for managing blood sugar levels) or a placebo (a harmless pill with no active medicine) to compare results. The trial seeks adults who have had type 1 diabetes for at least 5 years and experience certain kidney-related issues, such as elevated protein levels in their urine. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important advancements in diabetes care.

The trial requires that you stay on stable doses of blood pressure and lipid-lowering medications for at least 4 weeks before starting and throughout the trial. Other medications, especially those not approved for type 1 diabetes, may need to be stopped.

Research has shown that semaglutide is generally well-tolerated. In one study, fewer participants taking semaglutide experienced serious side effects compared to those on a placebo (49.6% vs. 53.8%). This finding suggests semaglutide might be safer than not taking it. Additionally, semaglutide is already approved for other conditions, which supports its safety profile. While this trial continues to gather more data, current evidence indicates that semaglutide is a safe option for further study in individuals with type 1 diabetes.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about semaglutide for diabetic kidney disease in Type 1 diabetes because it offers a new approach beyond the standard care of blood pressure control and glucose management. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which not only helps in controlling blood sugar levels but also has potential kidney-protective effects by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys. This dual action makes semaglutide particularly promising, as it could slow the progression of kidney damage while simultaneously managing diabetes.

Research shows that semaglutide, which participants in this trial may receive, can help improve kidney health. In past studies, semaglutide reduced the risk of kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes and lowered the chances of heart issues and death from any cause. For people with type 1 diabetes, early research suggests semaglutide might improve kidney function and reduce protein leakage into the urine. These promising results suggest semaglutide might also effectively improve kidney health in type 1 diabetes.¹²³⁴⁵