Medical Weight Loss
Published
August 8, 2026
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GLP-1 Medications and Your Kidneys: The FLOW Trial and the New Era of Kidney Protection
The FLOW Trial proved that semaglutide slows kidney disease progression, reduces kidney failure, and lowers cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. This guide explains the data and what patients need to know.

Quick Answer
The FLOW Trial showed that semaglutide reduces kidney disease progression, lowers the risk of kidney failure, and decreases cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. This is the first GLP‑1 proven to protect the kidneys.
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Published Date:
2026-09-12 21:33
Word Count:
3400
Estimated Read Time:
14
Obesity By The Numbers
Key statistics that highlight the growing impact of obesity.
GLP‑1 medications reduce inflammation, improve renal blood flow, decrease albuminuria, and protect glomerular function — slowing chronic kidney disease progression.
Medical Topics Covered
This article covers the following medical topics and related areas.


Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz, MD, FACS, DABOM
About the Author
Nestor de la Cruz‑Muñoz, MD, FACS, DABOM
Dr. Nestor de la Cruz‑Muñoz is a nationally recognized bariatric, metabolic, and foregut surgeon with more than 20 years of experience treating complex obesity‑related and gastrointestinal conditions. He serves as the Medical Director of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital and has held academic appointments as a Professor of Surgery at a major university‑based medical center.
Dr. de la Cruz‑Muñoz specializes in advanced minimally invasive and robotic surgery, metabolic disease management, and comprehensive long‑term patient care. His work integrates clinical expertise, academic leadership, and a commitment to evidence‑based medicine. He has trained surgeons across the country, contributed to national guidelines, and is widely regarded for his outcomes, innovation, and patient‑centered approach.
Patients choose Dr. de la Cruz‑Muñoz for his combination of surgical excellence, metabolic expertise, and lifelong dedication to improving patient health through compassionate, high‑quality care.
Dr. de la Cruz‑Muñoz specializes in advanced minimally invasive and robotic surgery, metabolic disease management, and comprehensive long‑term patient care. His work integrates clinical expertise, academic leadership, and a commitment to evidence‑based medicine. He has trained surgeons across the country, contributed to national guidelines, and is widely regarded for his outcomes, innovation, and patient‑centered approach.
Patients choose Dr. de la Cruz‑Muñoz for his combination of surgical excellence, metabolic expertise, and lifelong dedication to improving patient health through compassionate, high‑quality care.










