The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that Health Canada has approved Novo Nordisk's Ozempic to reduce the risk of further kidney decline among patients with Type 2 diabetes. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes develop chronic kidney disease. The international clinical trial FLOW showed that patients taking Ozempic had a 24 per cent lower risk of significant kidney deterioration or failure compared with those on a placebo. Also, Ozempic users were less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, which is common among diabetes patients. The study was peer reviewed and published in the New England Journal of Medicine last year and contributed to Health Canada's decision. Toronto General Hospital nephrologist David Cherney led the Canadian trial, demonstrating that kidney function loss can be reduced before dialysis or transplant is needed. Dr. Cherney says: "What my patients are scared of is dialysis -- dialysis or a transplant. I can reasonably reduce that risk and thereby reduce their anxiety and fear of serious, serious complications. Not to mention all the cardiovascular disease, which patients are also extremely afraid of."