Lower risk of serious kidney disease
- Published in
- Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2014
- People studied
- 4,831
In a trial of 5,145 adults with type 2 diabetes, a weight-loss programme went with about 31% lower risk of kidney disease in the highest risk category over 8 years.
- Checked against
- PubMed 25127483
- Published in
- Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2014
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
Look AHEAD randomly assigned 5,145 adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity to a lifestyle programme aimed at weight loss, or to diabetes support and education. Over a median of 8 years, chronic kidney disease in the highest risk category developed less often in the programme group, a 31% lower risk. Part of this went with lower weight, blood sugar and blood pressure, and there were no kidney safety concerns.
At a glance
- Type of study
- secondary analysis of a randomised trial
- People studied
- 4,831
- How long
- about 8 years (median)
- Compared with
- a diabetes support and education group
- Main result
- About 31% lower risk of kidney disease in the highest risk category over 8 years.
- Strength of evidence
- Randomised trials
What this study does not show
The kidney outcome was defined after the trial had started, as one of many outcomes, so it needs confirming. Everyone in the trial had type 2 diabetes.
Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
More on whole body
- Lower risk of deathRandomised trials · Ma et al., BMJ 2017
- Linked with lower risk of some cancersLong-term or observational studies · Luo et al., JNCI Cancer Spectr 2019
- 13 cancer types linked with excess fatLong-term or observational studies · Lauby-Secretan et al., NEJM 2016
- Fewer deaths over 30 yearsRandomised trials · Gong et al., Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2019
- Lower risk of serious kidney diseaseRandomised trials · Look AHEAD Research Group, Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2014
- Stronger in later lifeRandomised trials · Villareal et al., NEJM 2011
The next step is a conversation, not a decision
A licensed doctor decides whether any treatment is right for you. The answer can also be no treatment.
1You fill in a short form
2We call you within 24 hours
3A paid 20-minute video consultation with a doctor
4The doctor goes through your options and decides what is right for you