Semaglutide significantly improves health-related quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to new findings from the landmark FLOW trial presented at the 63rd European Renal Association (ERA) Congress in Glasgow.
The analysis provides important patient-centered evidence that the benefits of semaglutide extend beyond established clinical outcomes, improving aspects of daily functioning and overall well-being in a population that often experiences a substantial symptom burden. The FLOW trial previously demonstrated that once-weekly semaglutide reduced the risk of major kidney disease events by 24% and all-cause mortality by 20% compared with placebo over a median treatment period of 3.4 years.
Researchers assessed health-related quality of life using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, measuring mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain, and anxiety. Among 3,533 participants, those on semaglutide maintained stable health utility scores after two years, while placebo patients declined. The estimated treatment benefit equated to approximately eight additional days per year spent in full health. Improvements were consistent across subgroups regardless of age, BMI, or kidney function. Lead author Professor Johannes Mann noted the magnitude of improvement was unexpected, particularly given the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.