New findings from the FLOW clinical trial suggest that semaglutide not only helps protect kidney function and reduce the risk of serious complications in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD), but may also significantly improve their quality of life. The results were presented at the 63rd Congress of the European Renal Association (ERA 2026).

Researchers analyzed data from 3,533 participants enrolled in the FLOW trial, including 1,767 patients who received once-weekly semaglutide and 1,766 who received a placebo. The study assessed health-related quality of life using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, which evaluates mobility, self-care, daily activities, pain or discomfort, anxiety or depression, and overall health perception. 

After two years of treatment, quality-of-life scores remained stable among patients receiving semaglutide, while they declined in the placebo group. According to the researchers, the observed difference corresponds to approximately eight additional days per year spent in full health. 

The findings build on earlier results from the FLOW trial, which demonstrated that semaglutide reduced the risk of major kidney disease events by 24% and lowered all-cause mortality by 20% in patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD. The trial also showed slower progression of kidney dysfunction and fewer serious adverse events among those treated with the drug. 

Researchers note that people living with both diabetes and chronic kidney disease often experience reduced physical functioning, treatment burden, and a lower quality of life. The new data suggest that semaglutide's benefits may extend beyond traditional clinical outcomes, helping patients feel and function better in everyday life. 

The authors emphasize that quality of life is becoming an increasingly important treatment goal in chronic diseases. While further analyses are needed, the results indicate that therapies capable of slowing disease progression may also provide meaningful improvements in daily well-being for patients with diabetes and kidney disease.