SEMAGLUTIDE significantly improves health-related quality of life in adults with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) 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, Scotland.
FLOW Trial Highlights Quality-of-Life Benefits
The analysis provides important patient-centred 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 and reduced quality of life.
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.2 The latest results examined the treatment’s impact on patient-reported quality of life among 3,533 participants, of whom 1,767 received semaglutide and 1,766 received placebo.
Researchers assessed health-related quality of life using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, which measures mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain or discomfort, anxiety or depression, and overall health perception. Participants completed the questionnaire at baseline and annually throughout the study.
Semaglutide Delivers Meaningful QoL Improvements
After two years of treatment, health utility scores remained stable in the semaglutide group but declined among those receiving placebo. The estimated treatment difference of +0.021 was statistically significant (p=0.0001) and equated to approximately eight additional days per year spent in full health. Self-rated general health scores also favoured semaglutide, with a significant treatment difference of +2.15 (p<0.0001).
Improvements were observed across four of the five EQ-5D-5L domains, including mobility, self-care, usual activities, and pain or discomfort. No significant difference was seen in anxiety or depression. Benefits were consistent across patient subgroups regardless of age, BMI, kidney function, albuminuria levels, or prior cardiovascular events.
Lead author Professor Johannes Mann said the magnitude of the quality-of-life improvements was unexpected, particularly given the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. He noted that the findings support a broader, patient-centred approach to treatment goals, highlighting that semaglutide may improve both clinical outcomes and everyday well-being for people living with T2D and CKD.
References:
- Mann JFE et al. The effects of semaglutide on health-related quality of life in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: FLOW trial. Abstract ERA26-LBCT-200. ERA Congress, 3-6 June 2026.
- Perkovic V et al. Effects of semaglutide on chronic kidney disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2024;391(2):109-21.
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