Summary
Health Canada has approved Ozempic® as the first treatment for type 2 diabetes that also protects kidneys and hearts. Backed by the FLOW trial, Ozempic reduces the risk of kidney disease progression, kidney failure, and cardiovascular death—offering Canadians with diabetes and CKD new hope.
Ozempic (semaglutide injection) is now the first and only medication approved in Canada to treat type 2 diabetes while also reducing the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular death in patients who also live with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Why This Matters
Kidney disease is one of the most serious complications of type 2 diabetes. An estimated 30–50% of Canadians with diabetes develop CKD, which greatly increases their risk of heart disease and early death. Often, kidney disease goes unnoticed until it is advanced.
A major international study called The FLOW trial was designed to see if Ozempic could help protect the kidneys and hearts of people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
- Who was studied? Over 3,500 people with type 2 diabetes and CKD from 28 countries, including Canada.
- What did they test? Participants received either Ozempic or a placebo, alongside their usual treatments.
- What did they find? Those taking Ozempic had a 24% lower risk of their kidney disease getting worse, needing dialysis, or dying from kidney or heart disease.
- Why it matters: The trial was stopped early because the benefits were so clear, giving doctors strong evidence to recommend this treatment.
Dr. David Cherney, Senior Scientist at Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and lead investigator on the FLOW study, explains:
“The results of the FLOW trial are of major importance. Adding semaglutide to standard medicines reduced the risk of kidney disease progression, cardiovascular death, or kidney failure. This means we now have a better chance of helping patients avoid these devastating complications.”
Dr. Alice Cheng, Endocrinologist at Trillium Health Partners, highlights another important point:
“Many people with type 2 diabetes may not even know they have chronic kidney disease. That’s why it’s critical to get a urine test at least once a year. With evidence from the FLOW study, we now have another trusted tool to slow kidney disease and lower heart risks in this population.”
The Bigger Picture
Chronic kidney disease affects about 4 million Canadians, often progressing quietly until kidney function is severely impaired. For people with type 2 diabetes, the overlap with kidney and heart disease creates a dangerous cycle that can shorten both lifespan and quality of life.
This new approval for Ozempic offers doctors and patients a treatment option that tackles blood sugar control, kidney protection, and cardiovascular health at the same time which is a rare combination in diabetes care. If you suffer from diabetes and CKD, talk with your doctor to see if this treatment is right for you.
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