20 Oct NYU Study Finds GLP-1 Medications Associated with Clinically Meaningful Benefit in Dialysis Patients
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Weintraub
Michael A. Weintraub, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Medicine
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The study addresses a critical knowledge gap in diabetes
management for dialysis patients.
Of the 808,000 people on dialysis in the United States,
approximately 60% have diabetes and would be
eligible for GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).
However, these medications have not been well-studied in this population because
dialysis dependence is frequently an exclusion criterion in clinical
trials.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: GLP-1 RA use in dialysis patients with type 2 diabetes
was associated with lower mortality, higher transplant waitlisting,
and weight loss. Specifically, GLP-1 RA use was associated with 23%
lower all-cause mortality and 66% higher change of transplant
waitlisting in this observational national cohort study including
151,649 patients with type 2 diabetes on dialysis. There was a modest
but clinically significant weight reduction in the GLP-1 RA users of
4.03kg compared to 1.47kg in nonusers.
There was no increased risk of acute pancreatitis, biliary
complications, or medullary thyroid cancer. A 32% increased diabetic
retinopathy risk was seen, consistent with studies in other patient
populations.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: GLP-1 RAs appear safe and effective in dialysis patients with type 2
diabetes, according to this real-world analysis. The mortality benefit
is substantial and clinically meaningful. The weight loss, though
modest, may improve transplant candidacy.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?
Response: These real-world data, though compelling, should be supported by
randomized controlled trials. Longer follow-up studies and inclusion
of more novel potent GLP-1 RAs such as tirzepatide are other future
areas of study.
Citation: GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Outcomes, Safety, and BMI Change in a National Cohort of Dialysis Patients
June 2025 Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 20(8)
DOI:10.2215/CJN.0000000750
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Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD
