Once-weekly semaglutide significantly improved health-related quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, equating to roughly eight additional days in full health per year.
Key Findings
The improvement corresponds to approximately eight additional days in full health per year. The trial previously reported a 24% reduction in major kidney disease events and a 20% reduction in all-cause mortality with semaglutide.
Quality of Life Assessment
In the randomized trial of 3,533 participants (1,767 on semaglutide, 1,766 on placebo), health-related quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire at baseline and annually.
After two years, health utility scores remained stable in the semaglutide group but declined in the placebo group (treatment difference +0.021, p=0.0001). Self-rated general health scores improved with semaglutide and worsened with placebo (treatment difference +2.15, p<0.0001).
Domain-Specific Improvements
Significant improvements were observed in mobility, self-care, usual activities, and pain/discomfort (all p<0.03). No significant difference was found for anxiety/depression (p=0.55).
Benefits were consistent across all subgroups, including those defined by age, BMI, kidney function, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and prior cardiovascular events.
Expert Statement
Professor Johannes Mann, lead author, noted that the extent of quality-of-life benefits was surprising given that gastrointestinal side effects are common with GLP-1 receptor agonists. He stated that the findings confirm benefits beyond traditional clinical endpoints.
Background
Chronic kidney disease affects over 850 million people globally, with cases more than doubling since 1990. The condition is closely associated with diabetes, hypertension, and cardio-kidney-metabolic conditions. Early detection and intervention are important to slow disease progression.