Current findings on the efficacy of incretin-based drugs for diabetic kidney disease: A narrative review

The novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide has recently been launched.

• Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease.
• Incretin-based therapies, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors, may have vasotropic actions that could help reduce DKD.
• GIP, another incretin, has been considered unsuitable for treating type 2 diabetes due to diminished insulin action post-secretion.
• Recent findings suggest that resistance to GIP can be reversed with improved glycemic control.
• Novel dual- or triple-receptor agonists targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors aim to address multiple metabolic pathways.
• The long-term effects of tirzepatide on kidney function require further investigation.

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