Diabetes and the kidney

Clin Med (Lond). 2021 Jul;21(4):e318-e322. doi: 10.7861/clinmed.2021-0144. Epub 2021 Jul 16.

Abstract

Diabetes is the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease. Randomised controlled trials have shown a significant benefit of sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and guidelines now suggest these drugs should be considered in all patients with DKD irrespective of glucose control. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have shown some benefit in reducing progression of albuminuria in DKD and should also be considered early in the therapeutic pathway. Management of diabetes in patients on renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation) is uniquely challenging. This article outlines guidance on management of glucose in these vulnerable groups of patients.

Keywords: diabetes; dialysis; nephropathy; sodium-glucose transporter-2; transplantation.

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Diabetic Nephropathies* / drug therapy
  • Diabetic Nephropathies* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Kidney
  • Renal Dialysis / adverse effects
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors