What effects do antidiabetic medications have on liver and kidney function?
Mar 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, antidiabetic medications may affect liver and kidney function through various mechanisms, including drug metabolism, liver damage, kidney excretion burden, effects on glomerular filtration rate, and drug interactions. When using antidiabetic medications, patients need to closely monitor their physical responses and undergo regular liver and kidney function tests. Additionally, these medications should be used under the guidance of a physician to ensure proper administration and to avoid擅自 increasing the dosage or altering the method of administration without medical advice.
Generally, hypoglycemic drugs may affect drug metabolism, liver function, kidney excretion, glomerular filtration rate, and cause drug interactions. The specific effects are as follows:
1. Impact on Drug Metabolism
Most hypoglycemic drugs require metabolism in the liver. Some drugs, such as metformin, are typically excreted unchanged through the kidneys; however, long-term or excessive use may still place a certain metabolic burden on the liver. This burden may be more pronounced in patients with pre-existing liver dysfunction.
2. Liver Damage
Certain hypoglycemic drugs, such as sulfonylureas, may lead to abnormal liver function and even liver disease after long-term use. This may be related to toxic substances generated during drug metabolism in the body or direct toxic effects of the drug on liver cells.
3. Renal Excretion Burden
Hypoglycemic drugs also require excretion via the kidneys. If kidney function is already impaired or hypoglycemic drugs are used in excess, it may lead to gradual accumulation of the drug and its metabolites in the body, thereby increasing the burden on the kidneys.
4. Impact on Glomerular Filtration Rate
Some hypoglycemic drugs, such as sulfonylureas, may cause a decrease in glomerular filtration rate after prolonged use. This may impair normal kidney function, preventing the timely removal of waste products and excess water from the body, thereby further increasing the burden on the kidneys.
5. Drug Interactions
Interactions may exist between hypoglycemic drugs and other medications, which may affect drug metabolism and excretion. Some drugs may inhibit the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver, thereby prolonging the retention time of hypoglycemic drugs in the body and increasing the risk of damage to the liver and kidneys.
When using hypoglycemic drugs, patients need to closely monitor their physical responses and undergo regular liver and kidney function tests. Additionally, medications should be used appropriately under a physician's guidance to avoid self-adjusting dosages or changing the method of administration.
