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6 June 2024
Shami was formerly a tennis coach and previously owned a wine business. He has always been conscious of his health as he had a strong family history of diabetes, which causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high.
After he was diagnosed with diabetes, he suffered with two painful bouts of kidney stones within two years.
Shami was referred to the Nephrology department at West Suffolk Hospital, and they found that he had impaired kidney function. The research team told him about a study he was eligible to take part in.
The EMPA-KIDNEY study was a clinical trial for people who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). It was testing whether taking a diabetes drug every day prevents worsening of kidney disease.
CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should. It can range from a mild condition with no or few symptoms, to more rarely, a very serious condition where the kidneys stop working.
Shami agreed to take part in the trial. It involved regular follow-ups and tests to assess his renal function and other safety parameters. Blood pressure and weight were recorded, and his wellbeing was assessed via questionnaires.
He said: “It was quite exciting because I got checked more often and I was more aware of what was happening to my body.”
Shami did not know at the time of the trial whether he was taking the drug or a placebo (a drug with no therapeutic effect). But he found that his kidney function had stabilised.
He was able to continue to take the medication after the trial finished and continues to live his life well while managing his condition.
“I would say it’s a no-brainer to take part in research, and it’s as good a chance as any to prolong your quality of life by knowing more about what’s happening to you.”
- Shami
The study found that empagliflozin showed a significant kidney and cardiovascular benefit. It also reduced the relative risk of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death by 28% versus placebo.
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