There are 14 million diabetics in the U.S. and about 40 percent will develop kidney disease. Most will need dialysis within six years of showing even the earliest indications of kidney disease. Half die by their second year on dialysis.

Costs for treating kidney disease in the U.S. each year exceed $7.2 billion, since it costs about $45,000 per year to provide dialysis for just one patient. About 210,000 patients have end-stage kidney disease, 35 percent from diabetes.

He said he is unsure if the drug can be of help with those who have kidney problems unrelated to diabetes, but said diabetics who do not yet show indications of kidney problems may want to consider taking the drug.