GLP-1s, once seen primarily through the lens of type two diabetes management, are now being recognized for their profound protective benefits for both cardiovascular and kidney health. Now, the healthcare community is leveraging evolving research to engage in a broad re-evaluation of how it manages costly chronic conditions.

Growing clinical evidence is helping to demonstrate that the buzz around GLP-1s is about more than just weight loss. In particular, this momentum is shedding light on the potential for evolving treatment of interconnected conditions, particularly a cluster of conditions — obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease — that the American Heart Association defines as Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic (CKM) syndrome.^[1]

With these medications currently at the forefront of a major paradigm shift in medicine,^[2] traditional, siloed approaches to chronic disease management must be challenged to explore the benefits of and need for proactive, preventive interventions.

HLTH 2025: GLP-1 Commentary

GLP-1s remain a popular topic at premier health conferences, including the recent 2025 HLTH USA. At this year’s conference, organizations across healthcare, including behavioral coaching and well-being, discussed new initiatives to address challenges with GLP-1 access and long-term behavioral change.

These programs and offerings often take a multifaceted approach to weight-loss management as well as diabetes prevention and management — underscoring the shift to looking beyond single conditions to manage interconnected health needs through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.  

Establishing a strong understanding of CKM syndrome and how chronic diseases can interact with one another can help propel healthcare to focus on a broader, holistic approach to care, including across kidney care.

GLP-1s: Part of a Nuanced, Personalized Care Approach

Consistent with announcements from HLTH USA, a recent article by Renal and Urology News explains that incorporating GLP-1s for CKD treatment requires a nuanced and patient-centered approach. The article suggests that these medications aren’t a standalone solution for individuals living with CKD.

Rather, GLP-1s are an effective addition to a CKD treatment plan that might also include nutrition, mental health and physical activity support^[3] — a belief that has long been foundational to DaVita Integrated Kidney Care (IKC), which emphasizes total-care management for whole-person health.

Latest DaVita Research on GLP-1s

During this year’s Kidney Week, hosted by the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), DaVita presented on the association between GLP-1 drugs and improved hospitalization rates for people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), meaning the kidneys have failed and dialysis or a transplant is necessary to sustain life.

Originating from DaVita’s program inviting independent medical directors to submit research ideas, the evaluation was designed to address key questions facing clinicians to help optimize care for patients. The study demonstrated a positive impact from GLP-1 use for patients starting on in-center hemodialysis, finding a 9% reduction in the rate of hospitalization.^[4]

Further exploring this topic at the recent American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions, DaVita presented an abstract on the role of GLP-1s and improved mortality among ESKD patients. Results indicated that continued GLP-1 use was independently associated with a 17% reduction in mortality.^[5]

"There is a need for confirmatory studies, particularly randomized control trials, to assess the effects of GLP-1 use on health outcomes in this population,” said Steven Brunelli, MD, vice president of research for DaVita. “This will help equip physicians and care teams to further personalize care with available tools, resources and clinical interventions to support improved outcomes.”

Click here to learn more about the research DaVita presented at ASN Kidney Week, and click here for the poster presentation at American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025.