Kidney dysfunction and related cardiovascular risk factors among patients with type 2 diabetes

Prevalence of diabetic kidney disease and the associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes in a multi-ethnic Asian country

The actual prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Malaysia is unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of DKD and its associated risk factors among T2D patients in Malaysia. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using the year 2022 clinical audit dataset from the National Diabetes Registry. DKD was defined as albuminuria, a decreased glomerular filtration rate, or both. Among 80,360 patients, 62.2% were female, 68.4% were Malay, and the mean age was 61.4 years. A total of 56.7% (95% CI 56.4-57.1%) of patients were found to have DKD. Increasing age, male sex, Malay ethnicity, longer duration of diabetes, overweight, obesity, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic foot ulcer, nontraumatic lower-extremity amputation, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, insulin, higher numbers of antihypertensive agents, antiplatelet agents, poorer HbA1c control, higher systolic blood pressure, non-achievement of triglyceride target, and non-attainment of HDL-cholesterol goal were independent risk factors associated with DKD. Clinicians, program managers, and health policymakers should target modifiable factors to manage DKD and prevent its progression to end-stage kidney disease in Malaysia.

Long-term benefits of dapagliflozin on renal outcomes of type 2 diabetes under routine care: a comparative effectiveness study on propensity score matched cohorts at low renal risk

Background

Despite the overall improvement in care, people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) experience an excess risk of end-stage kidney disease. We evaluated the long-term effectiveness of dapagliflozin on kidney function and albuminuria in patients with T2D.

Methods

We included patients with T2D who initiated dapagliflozin or comparators from 2015 to 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance the two groups. The primary endpoint was the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline to the end of observation. Secondary endpoints included changes in albuminuria and loss of kidney function.

Findings

We analysed two matched groups of 6197 patients each. The comparator group included DPP-4 inhibitors (40%), GLP-1RA (22.3%), sulphonylureas (16.1%), pioglitazone (8%), metformin (5.8%), or acarbose (4%). Only 6.4% had baseline eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 15% had UACR >30 mg/g. During a mean follow-up of 2.5 year, eGFR declined significantly less in the dapagliflozin vs comparator group by 1.81 ml/min/1.73 m2 (95% C.I. from 1.13 to 2.48; p < 0.0001). The mean eGFR slope was significantly less negative in the dapagliflozin group by 0.67 ml/min/1.73 m2/year (95% C.I. from 0.47 to 0.88; p < 0.0001). Albuminuria declined significantly in new-users of dapagliflozin within 6 months and remained on average 44.3 mg/g lower (95% C.I. from -66.9 to -21.7; p < 0.0001) than in new-users of comparators. New-users of dapagliflozin had significantly lower rates of new-onset CKD, loss of kidney function, and a composite renal outcome. Results were confirmed for all SGLT2 inhibitors, in patients without baseline CKD, and when GLP-1RA were excluded from comparators.

Interpretation

Initiating dapagliflozin improved kidney function outcomes and albuminuria in patients with T2D and a low renal risk.

Funding

Funded by the Italian Diabetes Society and partly supported by a grant from AstraZeneca.

Dose-response association of diabetic kidney disease with routine clinical parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease and is associated with high mortality rates. The influence of routine clinical parameters on DKD onset in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains uncertain.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, for studies published from each database inception until January 11, 2024. We included cohort studies examining the association between DKD onset and various clinical parameters, including body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and serum uric acid (UA). Random-effect dose-response meta-analyses utilizing one-stage and/or cubic spline models, were used to estimate correlation strength. This study is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022326148).

Findings

This analysis of 46 studies involving 317,502 patients found that in patients with T2DM, the risk of DKD onset increased by 3% per 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI (relative risk (RR) = 1.03, confidence interval (CI) [1.01-1.04], I2 = 70.07%; GRADE, moderate); a 12% increased risk of DKD onset for every 1% increase in HbA1c (RR = 1.12, CI [1.07-1.17], I2 = 94.94%; GRADE, moderate); a 6% increased risk of DKD onset for every 5 mmHg increase in SBP (RR = 1.06. CI [1.03-1.09], I2 = 85.41%; GRADE, moderate); a 2% increased risk of DKD onset per 10 mg/dL increase in TG (RR = 1.02, CI [1.01-1.03], I2 = 78.45%; GRADE, low); an 6% decreased risk of DKD onset per 10 mg/dL increase in HDL (RR = 0.94, CI [0.92-0.96], I2 = 0.33%; GRADE, high), and a 11% increased risk for each 1 mg/dL increase in UA (RR = 1.11, CI [1.05-1.17], I2 = 79.46%; GRADE, moderate). Subgroup analysis revealed a likely higher risk association of clinical parameters (BMI, HbA1c, LDL, and UA) in patients with T2DM for less than 10 years.

Interpretation

BMI, HbA1c, SBP, TG, HDL and UA are potential predictors of DKD onset in patients with T2DM. Given high heterogeneity between included studies, our findings should be interpreted with caution, but they suggest monitoring of these clinical parameters to identify individuals who may be at risk of developing DKD.

Funding

Shenzhen Science and Innovation Fund, the Hong Kong Research Grants Council, and the HKU Seed Funds, and Scientific and technological innovation project of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences.

Independent association of history of diabetic foot with all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes: the Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events (RIACE) Italian Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Foot ulcers and/or infections are common long-term complications of diabetes and are associated with increased mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease, though only a few studies have investigated the independent contribution of these events to risk of death. This study aimed at assessing the association of history of diabetic foot with all-cause mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes, independent of cardiovascular risk factors, other complications, and comorbidities.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled 15,773 Caucasian patients in 19 Italian centers in the years 2006-2008. Prior lower extremity, coronary, and cerebrovascular events and major comorbidities were ascertained by medical records, diabetic retinopathy by fundoscopy, diabetic kidney disease by albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate, cardiovascular risk factors by standard methods. All-cause mortality was retrieved for 15,656 patients on 31 October 2015.

RESULTS

At baseline, 892 patients (5.7%) had a history of diabetic foot, including ulcer/gangrene and/or amputation (n = 565; 3.58%), with (n = 126; 0.80%) or without (n = 439; 2.78%) lower limb revascularization, and revascularization alone (n = 330; 2.09%). History of diabetic foot was associated with all-cause death over a 7.42-year follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.502 [95% confidence interval, 1.346-1.676], p < 0.0001), independent of confounders, among which age, male sex, smoking, hemoglobin A1c, current treatments, other complications, comorbidities and, inversely, physical activity level and total and HDL cholesterol were correlated independently with mortality. Both ulcer/gangrene and amputation alone were independently associated with death, with a higher strength of association for amputation than for ulcer/gangrene (1.874 [1.144-3.070], p = 0.013 vs. 1.567 [1.353-1.814], p < 0.0001). Both ulcer/gangrene/amputation and lower limb revascularization alone were independently associated with death; mortality risk was much higher for ulcer/gangrene/amputation than for revascularization (1.641 [1.420-1.895], p < 0.0001 vs. 1.229 [1.024-1.475], p = 0.018) and further increased only slightly for combined ulcer/gangrene/amputation and revascularization (1.733 [1.368-2.196], p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 2 diabetes, an history of diabetic foot event, including ulcer/gangrene, amputation, and lower limb revascularization, was associated with a ~ 50% increased risk of subsequent death, independent of cardiovascular risk factors, other complications and severe comorbidities, which were also significantly associated with mortality. The association with mortality was greatest for amputation, whereas that for revascularization alone was relatively modest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00715481, retrospectively registered 15 July, 2008.

Retinopathy as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To assess whether the presence and grade of diabetic retinopathy (DR) predict all-cause mortality, independent of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other complications, including diabetes-related kidney disease (DKD) and CVD, in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study that enroled 15,773 patients in 19 Italian centers in 2006-2008. DR ascertained by fundoscopy, DKD by albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate, and prior CVD by hospital discharge records. All-cause mortality retrieved for 15,656 patients on 31 October 2015.

RESULTS

The adjusted risk of death was increased in patients with any DR (hazard ratio, 1.136 [95% confidence interval, 1.054;1.224] P < 0.0001), advanced DR, including severe non-proliferative and proliferative DR and diabetic macula edema (1.213 [1.097;1.340] P < 0.0001), and especially proliferative DR alone (1.381 [1.207;1.580] P < 0.0001), compared with those without DR. The impact of DR was more evident in patients without than in those with DKD or CVD. Mortality risk was increased in participants with DR alone, though much less than in those with DKD or CVD alone and particularly in those with both DR and DKD or CVD. DR grade was related to mortality in individuals without DKD or CVD, whereas it conferred no additional risk to those with albuminuric or nonalbuminuric DKD or established CVD.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the excess mortality risk conferred by DR is relatively small and higher in those without DKD and CVD, suggesting that it may be mediated by the concurrent presence of these complications, even at a subclinical level.

Body mass index versus surrogate measures of central adiposity as independent predictors of mortality in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

An "obesity paradox" for mortality has been shown in chronic disorders such as diabetes, and attributed to methodological bias, including the use of body mass index (BMI) for obesity definition. This analysis investigated the independent association of BMI versus surrogate measures of central adiposity with all-cause mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events Italian Multicentre Study is a prospective cohort study that enrolled 15,773 patients in 19 Italian centres in 2006-2008. Exposures were BMI and the surrogate measures of central adiposity waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and A Body Shape Index (ABSI). Vital status was retrieved on 31 October 2015 for 15,656 patients (99.3%), RESULTS: Age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were significantly higher in BMI-based underweight (1.729 [1.193-2.505), P = 0.004), moderately obese (1.214 [1.058-1.392), P = 0.006) and severely obese (1.703 [1.402-2.068), P < 0.0001), lower in overweight (0.842 [0.775-0.915), P < 0.0001) and similar in mildly obese (0.950 [0.864-1.045), P = 0.292), compared to normal-weight individuals. When further adjusting for smoking, physical activity (PA), and comorbidities, risk was lower also in mildly obese versus normal-weight patients. The BMI-mortality relationship did not change after sequentially excluding ever smokers, individuals with comorbidities, and those died within two years from enrollment and when analyzing separately participants below and above the median age. Conversely, a paradox relationship was observed among inactive/moderately inactive, but not moderately/highly active patients. Mortality risk adjusted for age, gender, smoking, PA and comorbidities was significantly higher in the highest tertile of WC (1.279 [1.089-1.501], P = 0.003), WHtR (1.372 [1.165-1.615], P < 0.0001), and ABSI (1.263 [1.067-1.495], P = 0.007) versus the lowest tertile. However, risk was lower in the intermediate versus lowest tertile for WC (0.823 [0.693-0.979], P = 0.028), similar for WHtR, and higher, though not significantly, for ABSI.

CONCLUSIONS

An "overweight paradox" remained after controlling for age, smoking, and comorbidities, arguing against a collider bias or reverse causation. However, it could be partly explained by confounding from PA level, possibly through its impact on lean mass and cardiorespiratory fitness. No obesity paradox was observed with WHtR and especially ABSI, which predicted mortality risk associated with central adiposity better than WC. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00715481, 15 July, 2008.

A prediction model to assess the risk of egfr loss in patients with type 2 diabetes and preserved kidney function: The amd annals initiative

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a model for predicting 5-year eGFR-loss in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with preserved renal function at baseline.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A cohort of 504.532 T2DM outpatients participating to the Medical Associations of Diabetologists (AMD) Annals Initiative was splitted into the Learning and Validation cohorts, in which the predictive model was respectively developed and validated. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model including all baseline characteristics was performed to identify predictors of eGFR-loss. A weight derived from regression coefficients was assigned to each variable and the overall sum of weights determined the 0 to 8-risk score.

RESULTS

A set of demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters entered the final model. The eGFR-loss score showed a good performance in the Validation cohort. Increasing score values progressively identified a higher risk of GFR loss: a score ≥ 8 was associated with a HR of 13.48 (12.96-14.01) in the Learning and a HR of 13.45 (12.93-13.99) in the Validation cohort. The 5 years-probability of developing the study outcome was 55.9% higher in subjects with a score ≥ 8.

CONCLUSIONS

In the large AMD Annals Initiative cohort, we developed and validated an eGFR-loss prediction model to identify T2DM patients at risk of developing clinically meaningful renal complications within a 5-years time frame.

Challenges and opportunities in real-world evidence on the renal effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors

With increasing population aging and prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) worldwide, prevention of diabetic complications remains a major unmet need. While cardiovascular outcomes of diabetes are improving over time, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) still leads to an exceedingly high rate of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). A game-changing opportunity is offered by treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have indisputably shown that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the rate of DKD progression, the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and the development of ESKD. In parallel, SGLT2 inhibitors improve cardiovascular outcomes, especially the risk of hospitalization for heart failure. Real-world studies (RWSs) have largely confirmed the findings of RCTs in broader populations of subjects with T2D followed under routine care. In the present paper, we review RWSs exploring the renal effects of SGLT2 inhibitors and highlight the most critical challenges that can be encountered in designing and conducting such studies. Channelling bias (confounding by indication), time-lag bias, conditioning on the future, database heterogeneity, linearity of eGFR change over time, and duration of observation are critical issues that may undermine the robustness of RWS findings. We then elaborate on the new opportunities to overcome such limitations by describing the design and objectives of the DARWIN (DApagliflozin Real-World evIdeNce)-Renal study, a new RWS promoted by the Italian Diabetes Society. Fine-tuning of methods for comparative observational research will improve evidence derived from RWSs on the renal effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, aiding the evolving discussion regarding the place of SGLT2 inhibitors in T2D treatment algorithms in different stages of DKD.

Update on pathogenesis and diagnosis flow of normoalbuminuric diabetes with renal insufficiency

In recent decades, the prevalence of diabetic kidney disease has remained stable and appears to be a wide heterogeneity. Normoalbuminuric diabetes with renal insufficiency, which is characterized by a decline in the glomerular filtration rate in the absence of albuminuria, has been identified as an albuminuria-independent phenotype of diabetic kidney disease. Epidemiological data demonstrate that normoalbuminuric phenotype is prevalent. Compared to albuminuric phenotype, normoalbuminuric phenotype has distinct clinical characteristics and a wide heterogeneity of pathological features. Currently, the pathogenesis of normoalbuminuric phenotype remains unclear. Additionally, the flow of diagnosing normoalbuminuric phenotype is not perfect. In this article, we review the latest studies addressing the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and pathology of normoalbuminuric phenotype. Based on the studies of clinical features and renal histopathologic changes, we attempt to propose an underlying pathogenesis model and a flow chart for diagnosing normoalbuminuric phenotype.

A Cross-Sectional Study for Prevalence and Association of Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease Among People With Type 2 Diabetes in the Indian Setting

INTRODUCTION

Current evidence demonstrates that people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) with greater morbidity and mortality. We, therefore, aimed to document and categorize demographic, anthropometric, and physiological risk factors of CKD in people with T2D in India. Additionally, we also attempted to evaluate the magnitude of each risk factor, namely age, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, and body mass index (BMI) in its etiology.

METHODS

This observational, single-center, and cross-sectional study was performed at a diabetes care center in Lucknow, India. Out of a total of 504 eligible patients, we could get the required data from 435 patients. The following data were collected: demographic data, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine, urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), and HbA1c levels. Appropriate statistical tests were applied.

RESULT

The 435 eligible people with diabetes had a mean age (SD) of 51 (±10.52) years; female 48.02%, duration of diabetes 7 (±5.4) years; HbA1c 8.6 (±2.3)% and eGFR values 80.2 (±26.6) mL/min/1.73m2 at the time of presentation. The eGFR values correlated negatively with age and duration of diabetes, and positively with increasing BMI. The Spearman correlation coefficient showed that clinical parameters such as age, duration of diabetes, and BMI have a weak, but statistically significant correlation with eGFR while eGFR did not correlate with HbA1c level in the study. Further, we did not find a correlation between eGFR and UACR.

CONCLUSION

In people with T2D, age and duration of diabetes are important risk factors for the development of CKD based on the eGFR. Hence, even in the absence of high UACR values, a low eGFR should prompt periodic monitoring to reduce the risk of progression of CKD, especially, in older people with long-standing T2D. Our study did not find HbA1c as a suitable tool to assess the CKD progression risk, but historical glycaemic control over longer periods revealed by sequential values of HbA1c over the duration of disease may correlate with the progression of CKD.

Long-term blood pressure variability, incidence of hypertension and changes in renal function in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVES

Long-term visit-to-visit SBP variability (VVV) predicts cerebro-cardiovascular and renal events in patients with hypertension. Whether VVV predicts hypertension and/or chronic kidney disease is currently unknown. We assessed the role of VVV on the development of hypertension and changes in renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes and normal blood pressure (NBP) in a real-life clinical setting.

METHODS

Clinical records from 8998 patients with type 2 diabetes, NBP, and normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were analyzed. VVV was measured by SD of the mean SBP recorded in at least four visits during 2 consecutive years before follow-up. Hypertension was defined as SBP at least 140 mmHg and DBP at least 90 mmHg or the presence of antihypertensive treatment. Renal function was defined as worsening of albuminuria status and/or a reduction in eGFR at least 30% from baseline.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up time of 3.5 ± 2.8 years, 3795 patients developed hypertension (12.1 per 100 person-years). An increase of 5 mmHg VVV was associated with a 19% (P < 0.0001) and a 5% (P = 0.008) independent increased risk of developing hypertension and worsening of albuminuria, respectively. We found no association between VVV and eGFR decrease from baseline. Patients with VVV in the upper quartile (>12.8 mmHg) showed a 50% increased risk of developing hypertension (P < 0.0001) and an almost 20% increased risk of worsening albuminuria (P = 0.004) as compared with those in the lower one (<6.9 mmHg).

CONCLUSION

Increased VVV independently predicts incident hypertension and albuminuria worsening in type 2 diabetes and NBP.

Diabetic kidney disease: new clinical and therapeutic issues. Joint position statement of the Italian Diabetes Society and the Italian Society of Nephrology on "The natural history of diabetic kidney disease and treatment of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired renal function"

Aims

This joint document of the Italian Diabetes Society and the Italian Society of Nephrology reviews the natural history of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the light of the recent epidemiological literature and provides updated recommendations on anti-hyperglycemic treatment with non-insulin agents.

Data Synthesis

Recent epidemiological studies have disclosed a wide heterogeneity of DKD. In addition to the classical albuminuric phenotype, two new albuminuria-independent phenotypes have emerged, i.e., “nonalbuminuric renal impairment” and “progressive renal decline”, suggesting that DKD progression toward end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) may occur through two distinct pathways, albuminuric and nonalbuminuric. Several biomarkers have been associated with decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) independent of albuminuria and other clinical variables, thus possibly improving ESKD prediction. However, the pathogenesis and anatomical correlates of these phenotypes are still unclear. Also the management of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired renal function has profoundly changed during the last two decades. New anti-hyperglycemic drugs, which do not cause hypoglycemia and weight gain and, in some cases, seem to provide cardiorenal protection, have become available for treatment of these individuals. In addition, the lowest eGFR safety thresholds for some of the old agents, particularly metformin and insulin secretagogues, have been reconsidered.

Conclusions

The heterogeneity in the clinical presentation and course of DKD has important implications for the diagnosis, prognosis, and possibly treatment of this complication. The therapeutic options for patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired renal function have substantially increased, thus allowing a better management of these individuals.

Gender Differences in Diabetic Kidney Disease: Focus on Hormonal, Genetic and Clinical Factors

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most serious complications of both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Current guidelines recommend a personalized approach in order to reduce the burden of DM and its complications. Recognizing sex and gender- differences in medicine is considered one of the first steps toward personalized medicine, but the gender issue in DM has been scarcely explored so far. Gender differences have been reported in the incidence and the prevalence of DKD, in its phenotypes and clinical manifestations, as well as in several risk factors, with a different impact in the two genders. Hormonal factors, especially estrogen loss, play a significant role in explaining these differences. Additionally, the impact of sex chromosomes as well as the influence of gene-sex interactions with several susceptibility genes for DKD have been investigated. In spite of the increasing evidence that sex and gender should be included in the evaluation of DKD, several open issues remain uncovered, including the potentially different effects of newly recommended drugs, such as SGLT2i and GLP1Ras. This narrative review explored current evidence on sex/gender differences in DKD, taking into account hormonal, genetic and clinical factors.

Population segmentation of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and its clinical applications - a scoping review

Background

Population segmentation permits the division of a heterogeneous population into relatively homogenous subgroups. This scoping review aims to summarize the clinical applications of data driven and expert driven population segmentation among Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods

The literature search was conducted in Medline®, Embase®, Scopus® and PsycInfo®. Articles which utilized expert-based or data-driven population segmentation methodologies for evaluation of outcomes among T2DM patients were included. Population segmentation variables were grouped into five domains (socio-demographic, diabetes related, non-diabetes medical related, psychiatric / psychological and health system related variables). A framework for PopulAtion Segmentation Study design for T2DM patients (PASS-T2DM) was proposed.

Results

Of 155,124 articles screened, 148 articles were included. Expert driven population segmentation approach was most commonly used, of which judgemental splitting was the main strategy employed (n = 111, 75.0%). Cluster based analyses (n = 37, 25.0%) was the main data driven population segmentation strategies utilized. Socio-demographic (n = 66, 44.6%), diabetes related (n = 54, 36.5%) and non-diabetes medical related (n = 18, 12.2%) were the most used domains. Specifically, patients’ race, age, Hba1c related parameters and depression / anxiety related variables were most frequently used. Health grouping/profiling (n = 71, 48%), assessment of diabetes related complications (n = 57, 38.5%) and non-diabetes metabolic derangements (n = 42, 28.4%) were the most frequent population segmentation objectives of the studies.

Conclusions

Population segmentation has a wide range of clinical applications for evaluating clinical outcomes among T2DM patients. More studies are required to identify the optimal set of population segmentation framework for T2DM patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12874-021-01209-w.

Cardio-renal protection in older people with diabetes with frailty and medical comorbidities - A focus on the new hypoglycaemic therapy

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing particularly in the older age group due to the increased life expectancy. Ageing is associated with vascular and renal changes that predispose older people with diabetes to an increased risk of cardio-renal complications. This manuscript is set to review the use of the sodium glucose transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and the glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) in older population with diabetes especially in those with comorbidities and frailty. The recently introduced (SGLT-2) inhibitors and the GLP1-RA have shown promising cardio-renal protective outcomes. In addition to the favourable effect of glycaemic control on cardio-renal complications, these new agents seem to add additional benefits independent of their hypoglycaemic properties. The favourable outcomes have been shown in the older age group (>65 years) who were reasonably represented in the randomised controlled clinical trials. However, the evidence for those ≥75 years old is limited due to the small number of the included participants and the few clinical events. Data from both real world and post-hoc analyses of clinical trials is assuring about the use of these new agents in older people. However, it remains reasonable to express caution in using these agents in frail older people with diabetes due to high risk of adverse events in this group.

Relationship between pulmonary function and albuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients with preserved renal function

BACKGROUND

Albuminuria is the early manifestation of the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The current study was to investigate the relationship of pulmonary function with albuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients with preserved renal function to evaluate the role of pulmonary function in the early stage of DN.

METHODS

A total of 326 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) including 270 without albuminuria and 56 with albuminuria, and 265 non-diabetic patients were enrolled. The patients' general information, and the parameters of pulmonary function, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, total lung capacity (TLC), diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide of lung (DLCO) were compared between T2DM and control groups, as well as T2DM patients with and without albuminuria groups. All pulmonary function parameters were expressed as a percentage of those predicted (%pred). Logistic regression models were constructed to test the association of albuminuria and pulmonary function.

RESULTS

The values of FVC%pred, FEV1%pred, TLC%pred and DLCO%pred were lower, and the proportion of subjects with FVC%pred < 80, FEV1%pred < 80, and DLCOc%pred < 80 was higher in T2DM subjects than controls (all P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis of diabetic patients showed that the values of FVC%pred, FEV1%pred, TLC%pred, and DLCOc%pred (97.18 ± 13.45, 93.95 ± 14.51, 90.64 ± 9.97, 87.27 ± 13.13, respectively) were significantly lower in T2DM subjects with albuminuria than those without albuminuria (103.94 ± 14.12, 99.20 ± 14.25, 93.79 ± 10.36, 92.62 ± 13.45, all P < 0.05). There was a significantly negative correlation between the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and DLCOc%pred (r = - 0.143, P = 0.010) in spearman linear correlation test. In logistic regression analysis, the FVC%pred (OR 0.965, 95%CI 0.944-0.988), FEV1%pred (OR 0.975, 95%CI 0.954-0.996), and DLCOc%pred (OR 0.974, 95%CI 0.951-0.998) were independently associated with albuminuria after adjustments for smoking index, duration, HbA1c, FBG, and TG.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated albuminuria is associated with a restrictive pulmonary function as well as pulmonary diffusion function in T2DM with preserved renal function, which remind us to be alert of the pulmonary function decline even in the early stage of DN.

Burden of disease and costs associated with type 2 diabetes in emerging and established markets: systematic review analyses

Objectives: To estimate the clinical and economic burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in established (EST) and emerging markets (EMG).Methods: Three systematic literature reviews were conducted in MEDLINE and Embase to capture all relevant publications reporting 1) the epidemiology of T2D and complications in T2D and 2) the economic burden of T2D and associated complications.Results: In total, 294 studies were included in this analysis. Evidence indicates a high and increasing overall prevalence of T2D globally, ranging up to 23% in EMG markets and 14% in EST markets. Undiagnosed cases were higher in EMG versus EST markets (up to 67% vs 38%), potentially due to a lack of education and disease awareness in certain regions, that could lead to important clinical and economic consequences. Poor glycemic control was associated with the development of several complications (e.g. retinopathy, cardiovascular diseases and nephropathy) that increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. Direct costs were up to 9-fold higher in patients with vs without T2D-related complications.Conclusions: The burden of T2D, related complications and inherent costs are higher in emerging versus established market countries. This review explores potential strategies to reduce costs and enhance outcomes of T2D treatment in developing countries.

Blood pressure reduction and RAAS inhibition in diabetic kidney disease: therapeutic potentials and limitations

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects approximately one-third of patients with diabetes and taking into consideration the high cardiovascular risk burden associated to this condition a multifactorial therapeutic approach is traditionally recommended, in which glucose and blood pressure control play a central role. The inhibition of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone RAAS system represent traditionally the cornerstone of DKD. Clinical outcome trials have demonstrated clinical significant benefit in slowing nephropathy progression mainly in the presence of albuminuria. Thus, international guidelines mandate their use in such patients. Given the central role of RAAS activity in the pathogenesis and progression of renal and cardiovascular damage, a more profound inhibition of the system by the use of multiple agents has been proposed in the past, especially in the presence of proteinuria, however clinical trials have failed to confirm the usefulness of this therapeutic approach. Furthermore, whether strict blood pressure control and pharmacologic RAAS inhibition entails a favorable renal outcome in non-albuminuric patients is at present unclear. This aspect is becoming an important issue in the management of DKD since nonalbuminuric DKD is currently the prevailing presenting phenotype. For these reasons it would be advisable that blood pressure management should be tailored in each subject on the basis of the renal phenotype as well as related comorbidities. This article reviews the current literature and discusses potentials and limitation of targeting the RAAS in order to provide the greatest renal protection in DKD.

CD-1db/db mice: A novel type 2 diabetic mouse model with progressive kidney fibrosis

Aims/Introduction

To establish novel therapies to combat diabetic kidney disease, a human disease‐relevant animal model is essential. However, a type 2 diabetic mouse model presenting progressive kidney fibrosis has not yet been established. Kidneys of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic CD‐1 mice showed severe fibrosis compared with other backgrounds of mice associated with the suppression of antifibrotic peptide N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline. The BKS background (BKS^db/db) is often utilized for diabetic kidney disease research; the kidney fibrosis in the BKS^db/db phenotype is minimal.

Materials and Methods

We generated CD‐1^db/db mice by backcrossing the db gene into the CD‐1 background, and analyzed phenotypic differences compared with BKS^db/db and CD‐1^db/m mice.

Results

Male CD‐1^db/db mice appeared to have elevated blood glucose levels compared with those of BKS^db/db mice. Fasting insulin levels declined in CD‐1^db/db mice. Plasma cystatin C levels tended to be elevated in CD‐1^db/db mice from 16 to 24 weeks‐of‐age. Male CD‐1^db/db mice showed significantly progressive kidney and heart fibrosis from 16 to 24 weeks‐of‐age when compared with that of age‐matched BKS^db/db mice. The gene expression profile showed fibrogenic program‐associated genes in male CD‐1^db/db mice. Male CD‐1^db/db mice displayed significantly lower urine antifibrotic peptide N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline when compared to that of BKS^db/db at 24 weeks‐of‐age. The gene expression of prolyl oligopeptidase, the enzyme essential for antifibrotic peptide N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline production from thymosin β4, was significantly lower in the CD‐1 mice. Thymosin β4 levels were also lower in CD‐1 mice.

Conclusions

These results suggest that CD‐1^db/db mice are a novel type 2 diabetic mouse model with progressive kidney and heart fibrosis.

Diabetic Kidney Disease in Older People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Improving Prevention and Treatment Options

Age-related metabolic and renal changes predispose older people to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and diabetic kidney disease, respectively. As the prevalence of the ageing population is increasing, because of increased life expectancy, the prevalence of older people with diabetic kidney disease is likely to increase. Diabetic kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes and increased costs to healthcare systems. The management includes promotion of a healthy lifestyle and control of cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Older people are a heterogeneous group of people from a community-living fit and independent person to a fully dependent individual residing in a care home. Therefore, management in this age group should be based on a patient's functional level adopting tight metabolic control in the fit individual and relaxed targets in the frail person. However, despite the maximum available therapy, a significant number of patients with diabetic kidney disease still progress to renal failure and experience adverse cardiac outcomes. Therefore, future research is required to explore methods of early detection of diabetic kidney disease and to investigate novel therapeutic interventions to further improve the outcomes.

Diabetic kidney disease: New clinical and therapeutic issues. Joint position statement of the Italian Diabetes Society and the Italian Society of Nephrology on "The natural history of diabetic kidney disease and treatment of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired renal function"

AIMS

This joint document of the Italian Diabetes Society and the Italian Society of Nephrology reviews the natural history of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the light of the recent epidemiological literature and provides updated recommendations on anti-hyperglycemic treatment with non-insulin agents.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Recent epidemiological studies have disclosed a wide heterogeneity of DKD. In addition to the classical albuminuric phenotype, two new albuminuria-independent phenotypes have emerged, i.e., "nonalbuminuric renal impairment" and "progressive renal decline", suggesting that DKD progression toward end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) may occur through two distinct pathways, albuminuric and nonalbuminuric. Several biomarkers have been associated with decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) independent of albuminuria and other clinical variables, thus possibly improving ESKD prediction. However, the pathogenesis and anatomical correlates of these phenotypes are still unclear. Also the management of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired renal function has profoundly changed during the last two decades. New anti-hyperglycemic drugs, which do not cause hypoglycemia and weight gain and, in some cases, seem to provide cardiorenal protection, have become available for treatment of these individuals. In addition, the lowest eGFR safety thresholds for some of the old agents, particularly metformin and insulin secretagogues, have been reconsidered.

CONCLUSIONS

The heterogeneity in the clinical presentation and course of DKD has important implications for the diagnosis, prognosis, and possibly treatment of this complication. The therapeutic options for patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired renal function have substantially increased, thus allowing a better management of these individuals.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Kidney Protection

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is determined by specific pathological structural and functional alterations of the kidneys in patients with diabetes, and its clinical manifestations are albuminuria and decline of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Apart from renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, no other drugs are currently available as therapy for diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are a new class of anti-hyperglycemic drugs which have been demonstrated to prevent the onset of macroalbuminuria and reduce the decline of GFR in diabetic patients. These drugs may exert their beneficial actions on the kidneys through blood glucose- and blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects, reduction of insulin levels and weight loss. Clinical benefits of GLP-1R agonists were acknowledged due to data from large randomized phase III clinical trials conducted to assess their cardiovascular(CV) safety. These drugs improved renal biomarkers in placebo-controlled clinical studies, with effects supposed to be independent of the actions on glycemic control. In this review, we will focus on the actions of GLP-1R agonists on glucose metabolism and kidney physiology, and evaluate direct and indirect mechanisms through which these drugs may confer renal protection.

Long-term blood pressure variability and development of chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Long-term visit-to-visit SBP variability (VVV) has been shown to predict cerebro-cardiovascular events and end-stage renal disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Whether SBP VVV is also a predictor of CKD development in diabetes is currently uncertain. We assessed the role of SBP VVV on the development of CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension in real life.

METHODS

Clinical records from 30 851 patients with T2D and hypertension, with normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and regular visits during a 4-year follow-up were analyzed. SBP variability was measured by three metrics: coefficient of variation; SD of the mean SBP and average absolute difference of successive values in each individual. CKD was defined as eGFR less than 60 and/or a reduction in eGFR at least 30% from baseline.

RESULTS

Over the 4-year follow-up, 9.7% developed eGFR less than 60 and 4.5% an eGFR reduction at least 30% from baseline. Several clinical characteristics (older age, male sex, SBP, DBP, albuminuria, glycated hemoglobin, insulin treatment) were related to intraindividual SBP variability. Patients with VVV in the upper quintile showed an increased risk of developing both components of CKD [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.21, P < 0.001 and 1.32, P < 0.001, respectively]. The multivariable adjusted ORs of SBP coefficient of variation quintiles 2-5 for the incidence of CKD were incrementally higher (OR 1.04, P = 0.601, OR 1.05, P = 0.520, OR 1.21, P < 0.017 and OR 1.42, P < 0.001 as compared with the first quintile).

CONCLUSION

Increased long-term BP variability predicts CKD in patients with T2D and hypertension.

Decreased GFR and its joint association with type 2 diabetes and hypertension with prevalence and severity of carotid plaque in a community population in China

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension and kidney dysfunction are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but their combined effect on carotid plaque remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the associations between T2DM, hypertension, kidney dysfunction and carotid plaque, and further explore the combined effect of three diseases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among 3,815 community-dwelling adults in a Chinese atherosclerosis cohort. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hypertension and T2DM were evaluated as risk factors for carotid plaque. The presence, number and total area of carotid plaques were also assessed. Using logistic model, mutinomial logistic model and generalized linear regression model, the relationship between risk factors and carotid plaque was examined.

RESULTS

T2DM, hypertension, decreased GFR, and, inversely, eGFR, were independently associated with the presence, number and total area of carotid plaque. Stratified analysis by T2DM and hypertension showed T2DM attenuated the association between eGFR change and carotid plaque. There was a cumulative relationship between three risk factors and carotid plaque burden. The OR for the number of plaques was 1.0 (reference), 1.55 to 2.03, 1.94 to 3.14, and 3.69 (all P<0.05), respectively, for individuals with none, one, two, and three risk factors. Likewise, combining three risk factors was associated with greater increase in total plaque area (β, 20.63; 95% CI, 14.04-27.22).

CONCLUSION

The coexistence of decreased GFR, diabetes and hypertension is associated with increased risk of carotid plaque, and these comorbidities may contribute additively to the development of plaque.

Association of kidney disease measures with risk of renal function worsening in patients with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Albuminuria has been classically considered a marker of kidney damage progression in diabetic patients and it is routinely assessed to monitor kidney function. However, the role of a mild GFR reduction on the development of stage ≥3 CKD has been less explored in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic role of kidney disease measures, namely albuminuria and reduced GFR, on the development of stage ≥3 CKD in a large cohort of patients affected by T1DM.

METHODS

A total of 4284 patients affected by T1DM followed-up at 76 diabetes centers participating to the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (Associazione Medici Diabetologi, AMD) initiative constitutes the study population. Urinary albumin excretion (ACR) and estimated GFR (eGFR) were retrieved and analyzed. The incidence of stage ≥3 CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) or eGFR reduction > 30% from baseline was evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean estimated GFR was 98 ± 17 mL/min/1.73m² and the proportion of patients with albuminuria was 15.3% (n = 654) at baseline. About 8% (n = 337) of patients developed one of the two renal endpoints during the 4-year follow-up period. Age, albuminuria (micro or macro) and baseline eGFR < 90 ml/min/m² were independent risk factors for stage ≥3 CKD and renal function worsening. When compared to patients with eGFR > 90 ml/min/1.73m² and normoalbuminuria, those with albuminuria at baseline had a 1.69 greater risk of reaching stage 3 CKD, while patients with mild eGFR reduction (i.e. eGFR between 90 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) show a 3.81 greater risk that rose to 8.24 for those patients with albuminuria and mild eGFR reduction at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Albuminuria and eGFR reduction represent independent risk factors for incident stage ≥3 CKD in T1DM patients. The simultaneous occurrence of reduced eGFR and albuminuria have a synergistic effect on renal function worsening.

Natural history and risk factors for diabetic kidney disease in patients with T2D: lessons from the AMD-annals

The Associazione Medici Diabetologi (AMD) annals initiative is an ongoing observational survey promoted by AMD. It is based on a public network of about 700 Italian diabetes clinics, run by specialists who provide diagnostic confirmation and prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications. Over the last few years, analysis of the AMD annals dataset has contributed several important insights on the clinical features of type-2 diabetes kidney disease and their prognostic and therapeutic implications. First, non-albuminuric renal impairment is the predominant clinical phenotype. Even though associated to a lower risk of progression compared to overt albuminuria, it contributes significantly to the burden of end-stage renal disease morbidity. Second, optimal blood pressure control provides significant but incomplete renal protection. It reduces albuminuria but there may be a J curve phenomenon with eGFR at very low blood pressure values. Third, hyperuricemia and diabetic hyperlipidemia, namely elevated triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, are strong independent predictors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) onset in diabetes, although the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying these associations remain uncertain. Fourth, the long-term intra-individual variability in HbA1c, lipid parameters, uric acid and blood pressure plays a greater role in the appearance and progression of CKD than the absolute value of each single variable. These data help clarify the natural history of CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes and provide important clues for designing future interventional studies.

Diabetic kidney disease in the elderly: prevalence and clinical correlates

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major burden in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR+, < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and albuminuria (Alb+) are essential for the diagnosis of DKD, but their association with clinical variables and quality of care may be influenced by ageing.

METHODS

Here we investigated the association of clinical variables and quality of care measures with eGFR+ and Alb+ in 157,595 T2DM individuals participating to the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (AMD) Annals Initiative, stratified by age.

RESULTS

The prevalence of eGFR+ and Alb+ increased with ageing, although this increment was more pronounced for low eGFR. Irrespective of age, both the eGFR+ and Alb + groups had the worst risk factors profile when compared to subjects without renal disease, showing a higher prevalence of out-of target values of HbA1c, BMI, triglycerides, HDL-C, blood pressure and more complex cardiovascular (CVD) and anti-diabetic therapies, including a larger use of insulin In all age groups, these associations differed according to the specific renal outcome examined: male sex and smoking were positively associated with Alb+ and negatively with eGFR+; age and anti-hypertensive therapies were more strongly associated with eGFR+, glucose control with Alb+, whereas BMI, and lipid-related variables with both abnormalities. All these associations were attenuated in the older (> 75 years) as compared to the younger groups (< 65 years; 65-75 years), and they were confirmed by multivariate analysis. Notably, Q-score values < 15, indicating a low quality of care, were strongly associated with Alb+ (OR 8.54; P < 0.001), but not with eGFR+.

CONCLUSIONS

In T2DM patients, the prevalence of both eGFR and Albuminuria increase with age. DKD is associated with poor cardiovascular risk profile and a lower quality of care, although these associations are influenced by the type of renal abnormality and by ageing. These data indicate that clinical surveillance of DKD should not be unerestimated in old T2DM patients.

HDL subclasses and the common CETP TaqIB variant predict the incidence of microangiopatic complications in type 2 diabetic women: A 9years follow-up study

AIMS

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and retinopathy (DR) develop in a considerable number of subjects with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) despite the achievement of the recommended targets for glycaemia and blood pressure. Atherogenic dyslipidemia may play a relevant role, especially in T2DM women.

METHODS

We report our findings on the effect of diabetic dyslipidaemia, the HDL subclasses distribution and the common cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)TaqIB variant on the incidence or the progression of DKD and DR in 97 T2D women, after a ∼9years of follow-up.

RESULTS

At baseline, T2D women presented with low HDL-C levels and higher levels of large lipid rich α-1 (16.34mg/dl), α-2 (33.39mg/dl) and pre- α1 (4.81mg/dl) HDL subparticles. The CETP TaqIB polymorphism and baseline HbA1c, triglycerides, and HDL-C levels as well as specific HDL subpopulations were associated to the occurrence of RD after ∼9years of follow-up. At stepwise regression analysis, HbA1c, triglycerides and the less atheroprotective α-3 HDL particles were the only factors independently associated to the incidence of RD. These same variables were also associated with the progression from background to proliferative RD. BMI, LDL/HDL ratio and low levels of α-1 HDL particles were associated to the occurrence of DKD at univariate analysis, although BMI was the only significant predictor at stepwise multivariate regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In T2D women, atherogenic dyslipidemia as well as subtle modifications in lipoprotein particles profile are associated with incidence and progression of microvascular disease.

Resistant Hypertension, Time-Updated Blood Pressure Values and Renal Outcome in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background

Apparent treatment resistant hypertension (aTRH) is highly prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and entails worse cardiovascular prognosis. The impact of aTRH and long‐term achievement of recommended blood pressure (BP) values on renal outcome remains largely unknown. We assessed the role of aTRH and BP on the development of chronic kidney disease in patients with T2D and hypertension in real‐life clinical practice.

Methods and Results

Clinical records from a total of 29 923 patients with T2D and hypertension, with normal baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate and regular visits during a 4‐year follow‐up, were retrieved and analyzed. The association between time‐updated BP control (ie, 75% of visits with BP <140/90 mm Hg) and the occurrence of estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 and/or a reduction ≥30% from baseline was assessed. At baseline, 17% of patients had aTRH. Over the 4‐year follow‐up, 19% developed low estimated glomerular filtration rate and 12% an estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction ≥30% from baseline. Patients with aTRH showed an increased risk of developing both renal outcomes (adjusted odds ratio, 1.31 and 1.43; P<0.001 respectively), as compared with those with non‐aTRH. No association was found between BP control and renal outcomes in non‐aTRH, whereas in aTRH, BP control was associated with a 30% (P=0.036) greater risk of developing the renal end points.

Conclusions

ATRH entails a worse renal prognosis in T2D with hypertension. BP control is not associated with a more‐favorable renal outcome in aTRH. The relationship between time‐updated BP and renal function seems to be J‐shaped, with optimal systolic BP values between 120 and 140 mm Hg.

Blood pressure status and the incidence of diabetic kidney disease in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Antihypertensive treatment and blood pressure (BP) reduction are known to retard the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) but long-term real-life clinical data on the incidence of DKD are lacking. In this observational, prospective cohort study, we investigated the association between achievement and maintenance of recommended BP values and the incidence of DKD and its components over a 4-year follow-up in patients with T2DM and hypertension from the Italian Medical Diabetologists registry.

METHODS

Clinical records from a total of 12 995 patients with normal renal function and urine albumin excretion at baseline and regular visits during a 4-year follow-up were retrieved and analyzed. The association between recommended, time-updated BP control (BPC) (i.e. ≥75% of visits with SBP and DBP <140/85 mmHg) and the occurrence of renal outcomes was evaluated.

RESULTS

At baseline, 28% of patients (n = 3612) had recommended BP values. Over the 4-year follow-up, 37% (n = 4845) developed DKD, 16% (n = 2061) low glomerular filtration rate and 27% (n = 3487) albuminuria. Patients who failed to achieve and maintain BPC over the study period showed an increased risk of developing DKD [odds ratio (OR) 1.38, P < 0.001], low glomerular filtration rate (OR 1.18, P = 0.03) and albuminuria (OR 1.47, P < 0.001) as compared with those with persistent BPC. These results were consistent after adjustment for covariates and in different subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Long-term BPC is associated with a reduction in the incidence of DKD and its components in patients with hypertension and T2DM.

Annual deterioration of renal function in hypertensive patients with and without diabetes

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) complicates hypertension and diabetes. Knowledge of the deterioration rate of CKD may anticipate adjustment of therapies with renal elimination. This study evaluates the rate of annual deterioration of renal function in hypertensive patients either with type 2 diabetes (DM2) or without it (non-DM) followed for 5 years and relates it with blood pressure (BP) and glycemic control.

Materials and methods

Out of a total of 1924 patients, 1023 patients (594 non-DM and 429 DM2, 53% female, aged 62.1±10.2 years) were evaluated over 5 years for the annual evolution of renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure and metabolic parameters, corresponding to the analysis of 2378 patient-years.

Results

DM2 and non-DM did not differ for age, mean 24-hour BP levels, nighttime BP, albuminuria, and body mass index. DM2 versus non-DM showed a higher (p<0.02) prevalence of stage 3 CKD (24.0% vs 18.0%, eGFR 30–59), stage 4 (5.4% vs 2.7%, eGFR 15–29), and stage 5 (0.8% vs 0.5%, eGFR <15). Average annual decline of eGFR was 3.3±8.2 in DM2 versus 2.4±7.7 in non-DM (p=0.12, nonsignificant). Annual changes of eGFR and of albuminuria correlated (r=0.578, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, age, nighttime BP, double inhibition of renin angiotensin system, albuminuria, and HbA1c >8.0% in DM2 predicted the decline in eGFR. On average, 16.2% of DM2 and 13.1% of non-DM moved each year toward a more severe stage of CKD. For initial eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m², 26.4% of DM2 and 18.1% of non-DM patients showed a reduction per year >10% from the previous eGFR value (p=0.042).

Conclusion

Progressive deterioration of renal function each year is frequent in hypertensive diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Beyond aging, this is particularly dependent on BP control particularly at nighttime, on drug therapy, and on highly abnormal glucose control.

Metabolic syndrome, serum uric acid and renal risk in patients with T2D

Background and aims

Metabolic Syndrome (Mets) and increased serum uric acid (SUA), are well known renal risk predictors and often coexist in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Whether they independently contribute to the onset of CKD is at present unclear.

Methods and results

Within the AMD Annals database we identified patients with T2D and normal renal function and urine albumin excretion at baseline and regular follow-up visits during a 4-year period. Blood pressure, BMI, HDL, triglycerides, and SUA were available in 14,267 patients. The association between Mets and/or hyperuricemia (HU, top fifth gender specific quintile) and the occurrence of renal outcomes were evaluated.

Results

At baseline 59% of patients (n = 8,408) showed Mets and 18% (n = 2,584) HU. Over the 4-year follow-up, 14% (n = 1,990) developed low eGFR (i.e. below 60 mL/min/1.73 m²), and 26% (n = 3,740) albuminuria. After adjustment for confounders, BP≥130/85, low HDL, triglycerides ≥150 and HU were independently related to the development of low eGFR (1.57, P<0.001; 1.13, P = 0.056; 1.18, P = 0.008; 1.26, P = 0.001) and of albuminuria (1.35, P<0.001; 1.18, P = 0.001; 1.15, P = 0.002; 1.24, P = 0.001), respectively.

The incidence of low eGFR was higher in patients with HU independent of the presence or absence of Mets (21%, OR 1.30, p = 0.009 and 20%, 1.57, p<0.000 respectively), while albuminuria occurred more frequently in those with Mets and HU (32%, OR 1.25, p = 0.005) as compared to the reference group.

Conclusions

HU and Mets are independent predictors of CKD and its individual components in patients with T2D.

Association of kidney disease measures with risk of renal function worsening in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To assess the role of kidney disease measures on the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension (HT).

METHODS

Clinical records from a total of 17,160 patients with T2D and HT, a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values ≥60mL/min/1.73m², evaluation for albuminuria and regular visits during a four-year follow-up were retrieved and analyzed. The incidence of eGFR <60mL/min/1.73m² and/or a reduction >30% from baseline was evaluated.

RESULTS

At baseline 23% of patients (n=3873) had albuminuria. Over the 4-year follow-up 20% (n=3480) developed a renal endpoint 28% (n=1074) of those with albuminuria and 17% (n=2406) of those without albuminuria. The presence of baseline albuminuria entailed a 1.8 independent, greater risk of reaching stage 3 CKD. Patients with normal albuminuria showed a 1.54 (p<0.001) greater risk for each 5mL reduction (below 90mL/min) in baseline GFR.

CONCLUSIONS

In T2D patients with HT, eGFR reduction and albuminuria are independently associated with a greater risk of developing stage 3 CKD. While baseline albuminuria entails a greater renal risk, due to a larger occurrence of the non-albuminuric phenotype, renal function worsening is more likely to be observed in patients without albuminuria.

Plasma Triglycerides and HDL-C Levels Predict the Development of Diabetic Kidney Disease in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes: The AMD Annals Initiative

OBJECTIVE

Despite the achievement of blood glucose, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) targets, the risk for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains high among patients with type 2 diabetes. This observational retrospective study investigated whether diabetic dyslipidemia-that is, high triglyceride (TG) and/or low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels-contributes to this high residual risk for DKD.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Among a total of 47,177 patients attending Italian diabetes centers, 15,362 patients with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m², normoalbuminuria, and LDL-C ≤130 mg/dL completing a 4-year follow-up were analyzed. The primary outcome was the incidence of DKD, defined as either low eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m²) or an eGFR reduction >30% and/or albuminuria.

RESULTS

Overall, 12.8% developed low eGFR, 7.6% an eGFR reduction >30%, 23.2% albuminuria, and 4% albuminuria and either eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² or an eGFR reduction >30%. TG ≥150 mg/dL increased the risk of low eGFR by 26%, of an eGFR reduction >30% by 29%, of albuminuria by 19%, and of developing one abnormality by 35%. HDL-C <40 mg/dL in men and <50 mg/dL in women were associated with a 27% higher risk of low eGFR and a 28% risk of an eGFR reduction >30%, with a 24% higher risk of developing albuminuria and a 44% risk of developing one abnormality. These associations remained significant when TG and HDL-C concentrations were examined as continuous variables and were only attenuated by multivariate adjustment for numerous confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large population of outpatients with diabetes, low HDL-C and high TG levels were independent risk factors for the development of DKD over 4 years.

The Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Population-Based Study in Southern Italy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Diabetes mellitus in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is known as diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Pharmacological management of DKD is challenging due to reduced renal excretion of some antidiabetic drugs. The aim of this population-based study was to explore antidiabetic drug use in DKD patients from Southern Italy.

METHODS

The Arianna database from Caserta Local Health Unit was used. Diabetic patients with incident CKD [first diagnosis date: index date (ID)] were identified by searching for specific ICD9-CM codes among hospital discharge diagnoses/procedures and/or indication of use associated with drug prescriptions. To evaluate any change in the use of antidiabetic drugs after the CKD diagnosis, the prevalence of antidiabetic drug use among DKD patients was calculated within 1 year prior to/after ID and after dialysis entry. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the time to discontinuation of antidiabetic drugs after CKD diagnosis. The frequency of antidiabetic drugs contraindicated in renal disease in DKD patients was measured.

RESULTS

Overall, 725 diabetic patients (mean age 72.8 ± 11.4 years) had incident CKD from 2006 to 2011. The use of combination antidiabetic drugs, biguanides and sulphonamides decreased by approximately 10, 7 and 5%, respectively, after the ID. The use of insulins increased by 10% after the ID and by 20% after entry into dialysis. The use of antidiabetic drugs not contraindicated in CKD decreased marginally after the diagnosis of CKD.

CONCLUSION

In a general practice of Southern Italy the management of diabetes mellitus changed only marginally in newly diagnosed CKD patients, suggesting a therapeutic inertia on the part of prescribers.

Prevalence and comorbidities of double diabetes

BACKGROUND

A growing number of people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) are identified with features of metabolic syndrome (MS) known as "double diabetes", but epidemiologic data on the prevalence of MS in T1DM and its comorbidities are still lacking. Aim of this cross sectional study is to better estimate the prevalence of MS in T1DM, and to assess its association with comorbidities.

METHODS

Data of 31,119 persons with autoimmune diabetes mellitus were analysed for signs of MS and presence of late complications. Double diabetes was defined as T1DM coexisting with MS (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia). Multiple linear or logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between double diabetes and late complications.

RESULTS

25.5% (n=7926) of persons with T1DM presented additionally the MS. Persons with double diabetes showed significantly more macrovascular comorbidities (coronary heart disease 8.0% versus 3.0% w/o MS, stroke 3.6% versus 1.6%, diabetic foot syndrome 5.5% versus 2.1%). Also microvascular diseases were increased in people with double diabetes (retinopathy 32.4% versus 21.7%, nephropathy 28.3% versus 17.8%). Both macrovascular and microvascular comorbidities were increased independent of glucose control, even if patients with good metabolic control (HbA1c <7.0%, 53mmol/mol) showed significantly less macrovascular (coronary heart disease 2.3% versus 1.8%, p<0.0001) and microvascular problems (retinopathy 8.7% versus 6.6%, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Double diabetes seems to be an independent and important risk factor for persons with T1DM in developing macrovascular and microvascular comorbidities. Therefore, patients should be identified and development of MS should be avoided. Longterm studies are needed to observe the effect of insulin resistance on patients with autoimmune diabetes.

p66Shc: A novel biomarker of tubular oxidative injury in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Increased p66Shc expression has been associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, whether p66Shc can serve as a potential biomarker for tubular oxidative injury in DN is unknown. We measured the expression of p66Shc in peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) and renal biopsy tissues from DN patients and then analysed the relationship between p66Shc expression and the clinical characteristics of patients with DN. Patients were divided into 4 groups (class IIa, class IIb, class III and the control group). qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed. The results showed that both p66Shc and p-p66Shc expression significantly increased in PBMs and kidney tissues of DN patients. Moreover, Spearman’s correlation and multiple regression analyses were carried out. A positive relationship between the p66Shc expression and oxidative stress was found. p66Shc and oxidative stress were significant predictors of the degree of tubular damage. In addition, p66Shc expression was positively correlated with the concentrations of β-NAG, UACR and 8-OHdG, low-density lipoprotein and blood glucose levels, and duration of diabetes in patients with DN from class IIa to class III. These data indicated that increased expression of p66Shc may serve as a therapeutic target and a novel biomarker of DN.

Predictors of chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes: A longitudinal study from the AMD Annals initiative

The identification of clinical predictors for the development of chronic kidney disease is a critical issue in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.We evaluated 27,029 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m and normoalbuminuria from the database of the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists network. Primary outcomes were eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m and normoalbuminuria; albuminuria and eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m; and eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m and albuminuria. Secondary outcomes were eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m and albuminuria.

MEASUREMENTS

eGFR from serum creatinine by chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equation (CKD-EPI), urinary albumin excretion, HbA1c, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), blood pressure, and body mass index.Over a 4-year period, 33.2% of patients (n = 8973) developed chronic kidney disease, 10.3% (n = 2788) showed a decline in eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m, 18.4% (n = 4978) developed albuminuria, and 4.5% (n = 1207) developed both features. Relative risk ratios (RRRs) for age (1.37, P < 0.001 by 5 years), sex (0.77, P < 0.001 for being male), body mass index (1.03, P < 0.001 by 1 kg/m), triglycerides (1.02, P < 0.001 by 10 mg/dL), and LDL-c (0.97, P = 0.004 by 10 mg/dL) were independently related to the onset of eGFR reduction. Age (1.08, P < 0.001 by 5 years), sex (1.36, P < 0.001 for being male), body mass index (1.02, P < 0.001 by 1 kg/m), triglycerides (1.01, P = 0.02 by 10 mg/dL), HDL-c, and LDL-c (0.97, P = 0.008 and 0.99, P = 0.003 by 5 and 10 mg/dL, respectively) were related to the onset of albuminuria. HbA1c and the intensity of antihypertensive treatment showed a weaker association with renal outcome.Reduction in eGFR and albuminuria showed distinct sets of risk factors, suggesting that different mechanisms are involved in the development of these 2 components of diabetic kidney disease.

Serum Uric Acid and Risk of CKD in Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Serum uric acid may predict the onset and progression of kidney disease, but it is unclear whether uric acid is an independent risk factor for diabetic nephropathy. Our aim was to study the relationship between uric acid levels and the development of CKD components in patients with type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Longitudinal study of a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes from the database of the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists network. From a total of 62,830 patients attending the diabetes centers between January 1, 2004, and June 30, 2008, we considered those with baseline eGFR values ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and normal albumin excretion (n=20,142). Urinary albumin excretion, GFR, and serum uric acid were available in 13,964 patients. We assessed the association of serum uric acid quintiles with onset of CKD components by multinomial logistic regression model adjusting for potential confounders. We calculated the relative risk ratios (RRRs) for eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, albuminuria, and their combination at 4 years.

RESULTS

At 4-year follow-up, 1109 (7.9%) patients developed GFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 with normoalbuminuria, 1968 (14.1%) had albuminuria with eGFR ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, and 286 (2.0%) had albuminuria with eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. The incidence of eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 increased in parallel with uric acid quintiles: Compared with the lowest quintile, RRRs were 1.46 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14 to 1.88; P=0.003), 1.44 (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.87; P=0.006), 1.95 (95% CI, 1.48 to 2.58; P<0.001), and 2.61 (95% CI, 1.98 to 3.42; P<0.001) for second, third, fourth, and fifth quintiles, respectively. Serum uric acid was significantly associated with albuminuria only in presence of eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2.

CONCLUSIONS

Mild hyperuricemia is strongly associated with the risk of CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Achievement of therapeutic targets in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease: insights from the Associazione Medici Diabetologi Annals initiative

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) entails a worse cardiovascular outcome. The aim of our work was to study the relationship between CKD and the achievement of recommended targets for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and blood pressure (BP) in a real-life sample of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

We analysed a sample of 116 777 outpatients from the Network of the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists; all patients had T2DM and at least one measurement of HbA1c, LDL-c, BP, serum creatinine and albuminuria in the year 2010. The outcome was the achievement of HbA1c, LDL-c and BP values as recommended by International Guidelines.

RESULTS

In the entire sample, the mean value of HbA1c was 7.2 ± 1.2%, of LDL-c was 102 ± 33 mg/dL and of BP was 138/78 ± 19/9 mmHg. CKD and its components were associated with poor glycaemic and BP control, notwithstanding greater use of glucose and BP-lowering drugs, while no association was found with LDL-c values. Factors independently related to unsatisfactory glycaemic control included female gender, body mass index, duration of disease and high albuminuria. Men, older people and those taking statins were more likely to reach LDL-c target levels. Male gender, age and high albuminuria strongly affected the achievement of BP targets.

CONCLUSIONS

CKD or its components, mainly high albuminuria, are associated with failure to reach therapeutic targets, especially for HbA1c and BP, despite a greater use of drugs in patients with T2DM.

Type 2 diabetes-associated carotid plaque burden is increased in patients with retinopathy compared to those without retinopathy

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality among subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been associated with an increased risk for CVD. The present study was designed to test the concept that T2D patients with DR, but without previous cardiovascular (CV) events and with normal renal function, have an increased atherosclerotic burden compared with patients without DR.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed using patients with normal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 ml/min) and without previous CV events. A total of 312 patients (men, 51%; mean age, 57 yrs; age range 40–75 yrs) were included in the study; 153 (49%) of the patients had DR. B-mode carotid ultrasound imaging was performed for all of the study subjects to measure the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaques in the common carotid artery (CCA), bifurcation and internal carotid artery (ICA).

Results

The percentage of carotid plaques in T2D patients with DR was higher than in T2D patients without DR (68% vs. 52.2%, p = 0.0045), and patients with DR had a higher prevalence of ≥2 carotid plaques (44.4% vs. 21.4%; p < 0.0001). No differences were observed in the cIMT measured at different carotid regions between the patients with or without DR. Using multivariate logistic regression (adjustment for major risk factors for atherosclerosis), DR was independently associated with mean-internal cIMT (p = 0.0176), with the presence of carotid plaques (p = 0.0366) and with carotid plaque burden (≥2 plaques; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The present study shows that DR in T2D patients without CVD and with normal renal function is associated with a higher atherosclerotic burden (presence and number of plaques) in the carotid arteries. These patients may be at a higher risk for future CV events; therefore, an ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries should be considered in patients with DR for more careful and individualised CV assessment and follow-up.

Early renal abnormalities as an indicator of cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes

Accurate assessment of cardiovascular (CV) risk is a prerequisite for devising effective therapeutic strategies in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as it allows to refine prognosis and treatment targets as well as the cost-benefit ratio for specific pharmacological interventions. The presence of subclinical vascular organ damage plays a well known role in determining overall risk and a wider use of low cost, easy to perform diagnostic tools to stratify CV risk is very much needed. Besides their well known prognostic value for progression to end stage renal disease (ESRD), subclinical renal abnormalities such as microalbuminuria and/or a slight reduction in estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), have been shown to be powerful, independent predictors of CV diseases in patients with T2DM. Through the combined evaluation of these two biomarkers of chronic kidney disease (CKD), clinicians can usefully and reliably get a perspective on global and CV outcome of their diabetic patients.