A Mayo Clinic study has found that GLP-1 medications — best known as treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity — were associated with a reduced risk of dialysis or kidney transplantation in people living with both bipolar disorder and chronic kidney disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that GLP-1 receptor agonists (a class of drugs that mimic a gut hormone to lower blood sugar and reduce appetite) were linked to better kidney outcomes in a group of patients who are rarely the focus of this kind of research. The study looked at adults diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and chronic kidney disease (CKD) — a combination that can make treatment decisions above all complex.
The findings suggest that patients in this group who were prescribed GLP-1 medications faced a lower risk of needing dialysis — where a machine filters the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so — or requiring a kidney transplant.
GLP-1 drugs include medicines such as semaglutide and liraglutide, which have become widely prescribed across the NHS for type 2 diabetes management and, more recently, weight loss. Their potential benefits beyond blood sugar control have been the subject of growing research interest.
The study was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
People with bipolar disorder are known to face a higher burden of physical health conditions, including kidney disease — partly due to long-term use of lithium, a mood-stabilising medication that can affect kidney function over time. This study does not establish that GLP-1 drugs caused the improved outcomes, only that an association was observed.
Anyone with questions about their kidney health, diabetes medication, or mental health treatment should speak to their GP rather than making any changes to prescribed medicines. For general health queries, NHS 111 is available by phone or online.
Key information
- Do not stop or change any prescribed medication without speaking to your GP first
- NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day for health queries — call 111 or use the online service
- Samaritans can be reached any time on 116 123 for emotional support
Source: @MayoClinic