Anti-inflammatory 'improves kidney function' in diabetics
Monday 27th June 2011
A new anti-inflammatory drug prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes was seen to improve kidney function in a new study.
The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, is believed to have detailed the first time a drug therapy has improved kidney function for type 2 diabetes patients.
Scientists administered different doses of the drug to three groups, with a fourth acting as control and the participants were then tracked for 56 weeks.
At weeks 24 and 52, an overall significant increase was seen in the estimated glomerular filtration rates - measurements of how well the kidneys are functioning.
Furthermore, four weeks after researchers stopped administering the drugs, patients continued to exhibit a slightly higher level of kidney function compared to that measured at the beginning of the trial.
Dr Toto, director of the University of Texas Southwestern, explained: "The results of this study show promise for bardoxolone methyl in the treatment of kidney disease in those with type 2 diabetes."
"If it’s confirmed to be effective and safe in the long term, this drug could potentially have a major positive impact on kidney disease and become part of the standard of care."
In other diabetes research news, the life expectancy for those with the type 1 variation of the condition has been seen to increase.
A 30-year study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh found a 15 year improvement in the life expectancy of those with the condition between 1965 and 1980, with the average age of mortality rising to 68.8 years.
Lead author Trevor J Orchard added: "The estimated 15-year life expectancy improvement between the two groups persisted regardless of gender or pubertal status at diagnosis."
Type 1 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed during childhood or young adulthood. It is caused when the pancreas produces little or no insulin to properly control blood sugar levels and is treated through insulin replacement therapy.
Written by Martin Lambert
Related articles
Fake malaria drugs prevalent across the world
Fake drugs to prevent malaria are more prevalent than first thought, according to research by the Fogarty International Centre at...
Tuesday 22nd May 2012
Winter viruses can be combated by vitamin D
Vitamin D has been highlighted as the latest weapon in order to combat winter viruses, new research has found. The supplement is...
Monday 30th April 2012
Researchers warn against widespread use of anti...
They are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs but researchers believe that anti-depressants could actually cause more harm...
Tuesday 24th April 2012
Related Pharmacy Jobs
Locum Hospital Pharmacy Technician required for an immediate start. We have an on-going locum job placement available for a band...
Full infoHospital based Locum Pharmacist for immediate start.We are looking for a competent Pharmacist with an enthusiastic and flexible...
Full infoExperienced Pharmacy Technician required for a locum job opportunity working in London.We have an on-going locum job placement...
Full info