Blood test could potentially foretell the likelihood of heart and kidney issues in type 2 diabetes patients
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered that the use of canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, can help predict and reduce the risks of certain complications in those with the highest chances of developing them.
The study, published in the American Heart Association journal, used data from 2,627 participants in the Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) trial. The research focused on the effects of canagliflozin on four key biomarkers: those related to kidney function, cardiac remodeling, and hemodynamic parameters.
Dr. Adriana Quinones-Camacho, a cardiologist, stated that changes in these biomarkers seen after treatment with canagliflozin can help predict adverse events in this patient population. High concentrations of these biomarkers at the beginning of the study predicted the severity of the participants' heart and kidney issues.
Over the course of a year, all biomarkers in participants who took canagliflozin rose by 10%, compared to 29% for those who took a placebo. This trend continued throughout the three-year follow-up period, with people at the highest risk showing higher rates of progressive kidney failure and cardiovascular complications.
The study also found that the four biomarkers, when looked at individually and collectively, could predict cardiorenal risk. Biomarkers can reveal varying risk levels for cardiorenal disease in individuals with kidney disease.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, another cardiologist involved in the study, stated that abnormal biomarker values can help diagnose various diseases and tracking them over time helps gauge a patient's response to treatment. This means that the use of biomarkers can help monitor the effectiveness of treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The study's findings emphasize the value of integrative biomarker assessment, including functional (eGFR), biochemical (HbA1c, kidney injury markers), and molecular markers, in predicting and monitoring heart and kidney disease progression in type 2 diabetes patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors like canagliflozin.
It's important to note that the study had some limitations, such as not all participants having available samples for biomarker measurement, and some participants having missing biomarker data. Despite these limitations, the study's results strengthen the data on the substantial cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes and the value of using biomarkers for predicting major complications in these individuals.
In conclusion, the CREDENCE trial has demonstrated that specific biomarkers measured at baseline, one year, and three years can help predict the progression risk of heart and kidney disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes treated with canagliflozin. This could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies in the future.
Side effects of canagliflozin, sold under the brand name Invokana, include increased thirst, constipation, dry mouth, and increased urination. As always, it's crucial to discuss any medication's benefits and risks with a healthcare provider.
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