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

Cardiometabolic traits mediating the effect of education on the risk of DKD and CKD: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Both diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are more prevalent among individuals with lower levels of education in observational studies. To quantify the mediation effect of recognized cardiometabolic traits, we obtain causal estimates between education and DKD as well as CKD.

Materials and methods

We assessed the causal effect of education on DKD and CKD, separately estimated the causal effect of 26 cardiometabolic traits on DKD and CKD, and finally calculated the mediating effects and mediating proportions of each using two-step, two-sample multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR). Furthermore, the genetic association between exposure, mediators, and outcomes was investigated using linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) regression analysis. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) were retrieved from the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx) v8 to serve as genetic instrumental variables. Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS), Bayesian colocalization analysis, and Summary-data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) analysis were performed to explore underlying susceptibility genes between education, mediators, and kidney diseases.

Results

Higher education with a genetically predicted 1-SD (4.2 years) was linked to a 48.64% decreased risk of DKD and a 29.08% decreased risk of CKD. After extensive evaluation of 26 cardiometabolic traits, 7 and 6 causal mediators were identified as mediating the effects of education on DKD and CKD, respectively. The largest mediating factor between education and DKD was BMI, which was followed by WHR, T2D, fasting insulin, SBP, fasting glucose, and DBP. In contrast, candidate mediators in the education-to-CKD pathway included BMI, followed by cigarettes smoked per day, WHR, SBP, T2D, and DBP. MR analysis revealed that TP53INP1 was found to be a shared susceptibility gene for cardiometabolic traits and DKD, while L3MBTL3 was found to be a shared susceptibility gene for cardiometabolic traits and CKD.

Conclusion

Our findings provide solid evidence that education has a causally protective effect on the development of DKD and CKD. We additionally reveal significant directions for intervention on cardiometabolic traits that mitigate the negative effects of educational inequities on the onset of DKD and CKD. Our work demonstrates a shared genetic basis between education, cardiometabolic traits, and kidney diseases. Future research aiming at lowering kidney risk may benefit from these findings.

Therapeutic improvements of nifedipine controlled-release tablets combined with sacubitril valsartan on patients with diabetic nephropathy complicated with hypertension

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of nifedipine controlled-release tablets combined with sacubitril valsartan in diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients with hypertension. One hundred and twelve DN patients with hypertension were enrolled. They were randomly divided into the control group (treated with nifedipine controlled-release tablets combined with valsartan) and the observation group (treated with nifedipine controlled-release tablets combined with sacubitril valsartan). Renal function, endothelial function and inflammatory response were examined. After three-months treatment, the levels of clinical indexes (glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure), renal function indicators (urinary albumin excretion rate, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and cystatin C), endothelial function indicators (microalbumin, angiotensin II, thrombomodulin and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein) and inflammatory response factors (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α) in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Nifedipine controlled-release tablets combined with sacubitril valsartan could effectively alleviate the progression of DN combined with hypertension.

Correlation Between Glycemic Variability and Diabetic Complications: A Narrative Review

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder with a complex etiology in which glycemic dynamics are disturbed and the body is unable to maintain the process of glucose homeostasis through the pancreas. Persistent symptoms of high blood glucose or low blood glucose may lead to diabetic complications, such as neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Glycemic variability which can represent the presence of excessive glycemic excursions is an indicator for evaluating glucose homoeostasis. Limiting glycemic variability has gradually become an emerging therapeutic target in improve diabetes metabolism and prevent associated complications. This article reviews the progress of research on the various quantifiable parameters of glycemic variability and their relationships with vascular lesions and mechanisms.

A comprehensive risk factor analysis using association rules in people with diabetic kidney disease

Association rule is a transparent machine learning method expected to share information about risks for chronic kidney disease (CKD) among diabetic patients, but its findings in clinical data are limited. We used the association rule to evaluate the risk for kidney disease in General and Worker diabetic cohorts. The absence of risk factors was examined for association with stable kidney function and worsening kidney function. A confidence value was used as an index of association, and a lift of > 1 was considered significant. Analyses were applied for individuals stratified by KDIGO's (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) CKD risk categories. A General cohort of 4935 with a mean age of 66.7 years and a Worker cohort of 2153 with a mean age of 47.8 years were included in the analysis. Good glycemic control was significantly related to stable kidney function in low-risk categories among the General cohort, and in very-high risk categories among the Worker cohort; confidences were 0.82 and 0.77, respectively. Similar results were found with poor glycemic control and worsening kidney function; confidences of HbA1c were 0.41 and 0.27, respectively. Similarly, anemia, obesity, and hypertension showed significant relationships in the low-risk General and very-high risk Worker cohorts. Stratified risk assessment using association rules revealed the importance of the presence or absence of risk factors.

Blood Pressure Control in Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease. Blood pressure (BP) control can reduce the risks of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity, mortality, and kidney disease progression. Recently, the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines have suggested the implementation of a more intensive BP control with a target systolic BP (SBP) of <120 mmHg based on the evidence that the CV benefits obtained is outweighed by the kidney injury risk associated with a lower BP target. However, an extremely low BP level may paradoxically aggravate renal function and CV outcomes. Herein, we aimed to review the existing literature regarding optimal BP control using medications for DKD.

Incidence and Predictors of Chronic Kidney Disease among Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Retrospective Follow-Up Study at a Tertiary Health-Care Setting of Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and it is a major health burden worldwide. Despite the increasing trend of microvascular complications in developing countries, there is limited evidence on predictors of CKD among diabetic patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of CKD among DM patients.

METHODS

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among type 1 and type 2 DM patients in Southwest Ethiopia. A total of 437 newly-diagnosed diabetes patients were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were extracted from patients' medical records. Cox proportional hazard model was fitted and a 95% confidence interval was used to select significant variables.

RESULTS

Overall, 15.56% of patients developed CKD, with an incidence rate of 2.29 per 1,000 person-month (PM) (95% CI=1.79-2.93). Female sex (AHR=0.51, 95% CI=0.27-0.94) was found to be a protective factor of CKD, while positive proteinuria (AHR=2.85, 95% CI=1.48-5.55), having hypertension (HTN) (AHR=2.31, 95% CI=1.03-5.56), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) <40 mg/dL (AHR=3.19, 95% CI=1.73-5.98) were significant predictors of CKD.

CONCLUSION

CKD among DM patients continues to be a significant public health problem in health-care settings of Ethiopia. The current study found being female was protective, while positive proteinuria, HTN, and HDL-C <40 mg/dL were risk factors for CKD. We recommend health professionals to give more attention to DM patients with the identified risk factors.

The Aggressive Diabetic Kidney Disease in Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Potential Therapies

Youth-onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) represents a major burden worldwide. In the last decades, the prevalence of T2DM became higher than that of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), helped by the increasing rate of childhood obesity. The highest prevalence rates of youth-onset T2DM are recorded in China (520 cases/100,000) and in the United States (212 cases/100,000), and the numbers are still increasing. T2DM young people present a strong hereditary component, often unmasked by social and environmental risk factors. These patients are affected by multiple coexisting risk factors, including obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, and inflammation. Juvenile T2DM nephropathy occurs earlier in life compared to T1DM-related nephropathy in children or T2DM-related nephropathy in adult. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is T2DM major long term microvascular complication. This review summarizes the main mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the DKD in young population and the recent evolution of treatment, in order to reduce the risk of DKD progression.

Relationship of urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein with cardiovascular risk factors in the Japanese population without chronic kidney disease: Sasayama study

BACKGROUND

Urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) is a well-known marker of proximal tubular impairment. We evaluated the relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and levels of L-FABP in a cross-sectional community-based study. Participants with normoalbuminuria and normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), that is, non-chronic kidney disease (non-CKD), were enrolled in this study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to focus on the association between CVD risk factors and a proximal tubular marker in the Japanese general population with normoalbuminuria and normal eGFR.

METHODS

The present study is part of the Sasayama study. The participants included 1000 community residents (447 men and 553 women) aged 40-64 years without a history of CVD or renal dysfunction. Out of these participants 375 men and 477 women, defined as non-CKD, were included for further analysis. In each sex, the highest quintile group was considered to have high-normal L-FABP levels. A multiple logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between risk factors for CVD and high-normal L-FABP levels in the non-CKD participants. We performed a similar analysis using the high-normal urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) as a dependent variable instead of L-FABP.

RESULTS

Among the non-CKD participants, in the highest quintile group (Q5, top 20%), L-FABP was ≥2.17 μg/gCre in men and ≥ 2.83 μg/gCre in women. In women, the multivariate odds ratio was 3.62 (1.45-9.00) for high-normal L-FABP in the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) compared with that in the group without DM. However, the relationship between DM and the UACR level was not significant. In men, DM was significantly associated with high-normal UACR. However, the relationship with L-FABP levels was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of DM was more strongly related to high-normal L-FABP levels than to high-normal UACR in women even at the stage of normoalbuminuria and normal eGFR. Our results were also consistent with the findings of a previous study where women were more prone to nonalbuminuric renal impairment compared to men, although further studies are required to confirm the results.

Kidney Disease in Diabetic Patients: From Pathophysiology to Pharmacological Aspects with a Focus on Therapeutic Inertia

Diabetes mellitus represents a growing concern, both for public economy and global health. In fact, it can lead to insidious macrovascular and microvascular complications, impacting negatively on patients' quality of life. Diabetic patients often present diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a burdensome complication that can be silent for years. The average time of onset of kidney impairment in diabetic patients is about 7-10 years. The clinical impact of DKD is dangerous not only for the risk of progression to end-stage renal disease and therefore to renal replacement therapies, but also because of the associated increase in cardiovascular events. An early recognition of risk factors for DKD progression can be decisive in decreasing morbidity and mortality. DKD presents patient-related, clinician-related, and system-related issues. All these problems are translated into therapeutic inertia, which is defined as the failure to initiate or intensify therapy on time according to evidence-based clinical guidelines. Therapeutic inertia can be resolved by a multidisciplinary pool of healthcare experts. The timing of intensification of treatment, the transition to the best therapy, and dietetic strategies must be provided by a multidisciplinary team, driving the patients to the glycemic target and delaying or overcoming DKD-related complications. A timely nephrological evaluation can also guarantee adequate information to choose the right renal replacement therapy at the right time in case of renal impairment progression.

Characteristics of patients with hypertension in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results from the Turkish Nationwide SurvEy of Glycemic and Other Metabolic Parameters of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (TEMD Hypertension Study)

BACKGROUND

The present survey aimed to find out the demographical and clinical characteristics of patients with hypertension in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Turkey.

METHODS

Patients with T2DM who were followed-up in tertiary endocrine units for at least last one year were recruited. Demographic, clinical and biochemical data of the patients were collected. Hypertension was defined as taking anti-hypertensive medications or having office arterial blood pressure (ABP) ≥140/90 mmHg or home ABP ≥ 130/80 mmHg.

RESULTS

A total of 4756 (58.9% women) diabetic patients were evaluated. The percentage of patients with hypertension was 67.5% (n = 3212). Although 87.4% (n = 2808) of hypertensive patients were under treatment, blood pressure was on target in 52.7% (n = 1479) of patients. Hypertension proportions were higher in woman (p = 0.001), older, more obese, and those who had longer diabetes duration, lower education levels, higher frequency of hypoglycemic events (all p < 0.001) and higher triglyceride levels (p = 0.003). LDL cholesterol level and the percentage of smokers were lower in hypertensive group than in non-hypertensive group (both p < 0.001). The percentage of macro and microvascular complications was higher in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive one (both p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, being a woman (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.51, p = 0.016), smoking (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.80, p = 0.020), regular physical activity (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01-1.53, p = 0.039) and the presence of macrovascular complications (OR: 1.38 95% CI: 1.15-1.65, p = 0.001) were the significant predictors of good ABP regulation. The ratios of masked and white coat hypertension were 41.2% and 5.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that two-thirds (67.5%) of adult patients with T2DM have hypertension. Co-existence of hypertension increases the frequency of macro and microvascular diabetic complications in these patients. Despite the critical role of hypertension in morbidity and mortality, only half of the patients have favorable ABP levels. Masked hypertension seems to be another important issue in this population.

Association of Urinary Sodium Excretion and Diabetic Kidney Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Epidemiological evidence of the association between urinary sodium excretion and the presence of DKD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not yet been well established.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of 1545 patients with T2DM over aged 20 years old from January 2018 to December 2020. Urinary sodium excretion was measured by 24-hour urine samples in inpatients and morning fasting urine samples in outpatients. The associations between urinary sodium excretion and the risks of DKD were examined using stepwise regression analysis, logistic regression analysis and multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic splines (RCS).

RESULTS

Regression analysis showed that urinary sodium was independently associated with urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) level (P = 0.006) and the risks of DKD (P = 0.042). In multivariable-adjusted RCS analysis, urinary sodium excretion was significantly associated with UACR in all patients (P = 0.008), and exhibited a J-shaped relationship. Logistic regression analysis showed that increased urinary sodium excretion was significantly associated with increased risks of DKD [OR (95% CI); 1.56 (1.07-2.27); P = 0.020]. However, the relationships between urinary sodium excretion and the risks of DKD and albuminuria showed no significance, after further adjustment for HOMA-IR and ba-PWV (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity) (Both P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher urinary sodium excretion level was associated with increased risks of DKD among patients with T2DM, dependent of vascular sclerosis and insulin resistance.

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.

Association between gain in adiposity and diabetic kidney disease worsening in type 2 diabetes is mediated by deteriorating glycaemic control: A 3-year follow-up analysis

AIMS

Increased adiposity confers elevated risk for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This 3-year prospective study examined whether worsening of metabolic control e.g. development of uncontrolled diabetes mediated the relationship between increased adiposity and DKD deterioration.

METHODS

T2DM subjects who had adequately controlled diabetes (HbA1c < 8%) at initial recruitment were analysed (N = 853). HbA1c ≥ 8% at follow-up was classified as development of uncontrolled T2DM. Absolute changes in body weight (ΔWeight), body mass index (ΔBMI), and body fat mass (ΔBFM) were calculated by subtracting baseline from follow-up values. DKD deterioration (outcome) was defined as an increase in the composite ranking of relative risk by glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria levels (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes 2009).

RESULTS

Subjects with deteriorated DKD displayed lower reduction in body composition at follow-up than those who remained stable or/improved (all P < 0.05). In separate regression models, ΔWeight (risk ratio (RR):1.04, 95% CI:1.01-1.06), ΔBMI (RR:1.07, 95% CI:1.01-1.13), and ΔBFM (RR:1.03, 95% CI:1.01-1.06) were independently associated with worsened DKD. The associations were attenuated after accounting for the loss of glycaemic control. Binary mediation analysis revealed that the development of uncontrolled diabetes explained 41.7%, 45.4% and 39.7%, respectively, of the effects of ΔWeight, ΔBMI and ΔBFM on the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Among T2DM individuals who had adequately-controlled T2DM at initial recruitment, the relationship between gain in adiposity and DKD deterioration is mediated by the development of poor glycaemic control over time. Therefore, preventing worsening adiposity and hyperglycaemia is pivotal to impede DKD progression.

Comparing the Effect of Dipeptidyl-Peptidase 4 Inhibitors and Sulfonylureas on Albuminuria in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Open-Label Study

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) leads to substantial morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Evidence suggests that antidiabetic drug dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors may be able to attenuate albuminuria, whereas the influence of sulfonylureas on albuminuria remains unclear. This prospective open-label study investigated the effect of DPP-4 inhibitors and sulfonylureas on urinary albumin excretion, which is a marker of renal microvascular abnormality. A total of 101 participants with newly diagnosed T2DM were enrolled. In addition to metformin therapy, 45 patients were assigned to receive DPP-4 inhibitors and 56 to receive sulfonylureas. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) was significantly reduced in recipients of DPP-4 inhibitors after 24 weeks (29.2 µg/mg creatinine vs. 14.9 µg/mg creatinine, P < 0.001), whereas urinary ACR was not significantly changed by sulfonylureas (39.9 µg/mg creatinine vs. 43.2 µg/mg creatinine, P = 0.641). The effect on albuminuria occurred even though both treatment groups had a similar change in serum glycated hemoglobin A_1c (-1.87 % vs.-2.40 %, P = 0.250). Therefore, in diabetic patients the addition of DPP-4 inhibitors lowered urinary albumin excretion compared to sulfonylureas, and attenuation of albuminuria may be a consideration when choosing between antidiabetic medications.

Antihypertensive Treatment in Diabetic Kidney Disease: The Need for a Patient-Centered Approach

Diabetic kidney disease affects up to forty percent of patients with diabetes during their lifespan. Prevention and treatment of diabetic kidney disease is currently based on optimal glucose and blood pressure control. Renin–angiotensin aldosterone inhibitors are considered the mainstay treatment for hypertension in diabetic patients, especially in the presence of albuminuria. Whether strict blood pressure reduction entails a favorable renal outcome also in non-albuminuric patients is at present unclear. Results of several clinical trials suggest that an overly aggressive blood pressure reduction, especially in the context of profound pharmacologic inhibition of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system may result in a paradoxical worsening of renal function. On the basis of this evidence, it is proposed that blood pressure reduction should be tailored in each individual patient according to renal phenotype.

Global diabetic kidney disease research from 2000 to 2017: A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze the scientific outputs of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) research and explore its hotspots and frontiers from 2000 to 2017, using bibliometric methods.

METHODS

Articles in DKD research between 2000 and 2017 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). We used the VOSviewer 1.6.8 and CiteSpace 5.2 to analyze publication years, journals, countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords. Keywords with citation bursts were used to analyze the research hotspots and emerging trends.

RESULTS

We identified 27,577 publications in DKD research from 2000 to 2017. The annual publication number increased with time. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation published the highest number of articles. The United States was the most influential country with most publications and collaborations with other countries. Harvard University was the leading institute. Parving had the most cited publications. Keywords analysis indicated that the renin-angiotensin system inhibition used to be the most prevalent research topic, while recent research hotspots were podocyte, inflammation, and biomarker. The biomarkers for DKD screening, diagnosis, and prognosis could be a research frontier.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of DKD related publications rapidly increased over the past 2 decades. Our study revealed the structure, hotspots, and evolution trends of DKD research. Further studies and more collaborations are needed.

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.

Racial differences in nocturnal dipping status in diabetic kidney disease: Results from the STOP-DKD (Simultaneous Risk Factor Control Using Telehealth to Slow Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease) study

While racial variation in ambulatory blood pressure (BP) is known, patterns of diurnal dipping in the context of diabetic kidney disease have not been well defined. The authors sought to determine the association of race with nocturnal dipping status among participants with diabetic kidney disease enrolled in the STOP-DKD (Simultaneous Risk Factor Control Using Telehealth to Slow Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease) trial. The primary outcome was nocturnal dipping-percent decrease in average systolic BP from wake to sleep-with categories defined as reverse dippers (decrease <0%), nondippers (0%-<10%), and dippers (≥10%). Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP monitoring was completed by 108 participants (54% were nondippers, 24% were dippers, and 22% were reverse dippers). In adjusted models, the common odds of reverse dippers vs nondippers/dippers and reverse dippers/nondippers vs dippers was 2.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.8) times higher in blacks than in whites. Without ambulatory BP monitoring data, interventions that target BP in black patients may be unable to improve outcomes in this high-risk group.

Hypertension with diabetes mellitus: significance from an epidemiological perspective for Japanese

The prevalence of both hypertension and diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide. Both diseases lead to severe complications such as cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases, which increase the risk of death over a long period of time. Therefore, the prevention and aggravation of hypertension and diabetes mellitus are major challenges. Because few review articles have focused on the epidemiological perspective of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, we reviewed major observational studies mainly from Japan and from Western countries that have reported on the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, the binominal risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and the risk of their coexistence. Our investigation found that approximately 50% of diabetic patients had hypertension, and approximately 20% of hypertensive patients had diabetes mellitus. Those with either hypertension or diabetes mellitus had a 1.5- to 2.0-fold higher risk of having both conditions. These results were similar for both Japan and Western countries. Although comparing the results between Japan and Western countries was difficult because the risks were estimated using widely varying statistical analyses, it was revealed that the coexistence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus certainly increased the risk of complications regardless of the country. The definition, prevalence and medical treatment of hypertension and diabetes mellitus will change in the future. For early intervention based on the latest evidence to prevent severe complications, it is important to accumulate epidemiological knowledge of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and to update the evidence for both Japan and other countries.

Integrated Assessment of Pharmacological and Nutritional Cardiovascular Risk Management: Blood Pressure Control in the DIAbetes and LifEstyle Cohort Twente (DIALECT)

Cardiovascular risk management is an integral part of treatment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), and requires pharmacological as well as nutritional management. We hypothesize that a systematic assessment of both pharmacological and nutritional management can identify targets for the improvement of treatment quality. Therefore, we analysed blood pressure (BP) management in the DIAbetes and LifEstyle Cohort Twente (DIALECT). DIALECT is an observational cohort from routine diabetes care, performed at the ZGT Hospital (Almelo and Hengelo, The Netherlands). BP was measured for 15 minutes with one minute intervals. Sodium and potassium intake was derived from 24-hour urinary excretion. We determined the adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological guidelines in patients with BP on target (BP-OT) and BP not on target (BP-NOT). In total, 450 patients were included from August 2009 until January 2016. The mean age was 63 ± 9 years, and the majority was male (58%). In total, 53% had BP-OT. In those with BP-NOT, pharmacological management was suboptimal (zero to two antihypertensive drugs) in 62% of patients, and nutritional guideline adherence was suboptimal in 100% of patients (only 8% had a sodium intake on target, 66% had a potassium intake on target, 3% had a sodium-to-potassium ratio on target, and body mass index was <30 kg/m² in 35%). These data show pharmacological undertreatment and a low adherence to nutritional guidelines. Uncontrolled BP is common in T2DM, and our data show a window of opportunity for improving BP control, especially in nutritional management. To improve treatment quality, we advocate to incorporate the integrated monitoring of nutritional management in quality improvement cycles in routine care.

Effects of reducing blood pressure on renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: Focus on SGLT2 inhibitors and EMPA-REG OUTCOME

Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has enabled remarkable reductions in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality as well as in renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and a history of cardiovascular disease in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME. These results have been attributed to haemodynamic rather than metabolic effects, in part due to the osmotic/diuretic action of empagliflozin and the reduction in arterial blood pressure (BP). The present narrative review includes the results of meta-analyses of trials evaluating the effects on renal outcomes of lowering BP in patients with T2D, with a special focus on the influence of baseline and achieved systolic BP, and compares the renal outcome results of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME with those of other major trials with inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system in patients with T2D and the preliminary findings with other SGLT2 inhibitors, and also evaluates post hoc analyses from the EMPA-REG OUTCOME of special interest as regards the BP-lowering hypothesis and renal function. While systemic BP reduction associated to empagliflozin therapy may have contributed to the renal benefits reported in EMPA-REG OUTCOME, other local mechanisms related to kidney homoeostasis most probably also played a role in the overall protection observed in the trial.