Can newer anti-diabetic therapies delay the development of diabetic nephropathy?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is progressive in nature and leads to hyperglycemia-associated microvascular and macrovascular complications. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most prominent microvascular complication induced by T2DM and is characterized by albuminuria and progressive loss of kidney function. Aggressive management of hyperglycemia and hypertension has been found effective in delaying the development and progression of DN. Although the conventional antidiabetic treatment is effective in the earlier management of hyperglycemia, the progressive loss of beta cells ultimately needs the addition of insulin to the therapy. The emergence of newer antidiabetic agents may address the limitations associated with conventional antidiabetic therapies, which not only improve the glycemic status but also effective in improving cardio-renal outcomes. Nevertheless, the exact role of these agents and their role in minimizing diabetes progression to DN still needs elaboration. The present review aimed to highlights the impact of these newer antidiabetic agents in the management of hyperglycemia and their role in delaying the progression of diabetes to DN/management of DN in patients with T2DM.