Factors affecting the progression of diabetic nephropathy and its complications: a single-center experience in Saudi Arabia

Decline in eGFR and mortality among type II diabetic patients: a 3-year prospective cohort study from Palestine

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic nephropathy is a significant complication of diabetes and a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) globally. This study aimed to assess the decline of renal function and all-cause mortality and identify the contributing risk factors among Palestinian patients with diabetes.

METHODOLOGY

The study employed a prospective cohort design, enrolling 311 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attending primary health care centers in Palestine. Baseline data were collected in 2018 to determine the prevalence of CKD in patients with T2DM. Subsequently, the patients were followed up for three years to assess renal function and identify significant associated risk factors. The primary outcomes examined were estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

During the three-year follow-up, 37.5% of the patients experienced eGFR decline, averaging 4.2 ml/min/1.73 m² per year. Males showed a significant association with eGFR decline with 5 times higher risk of developing eGFR decline. Hypertensive patients were 2.4 times more likely to experience decline. Regarding all-cause mortality, 14.1% of the patients died, with an incidence rate of 51.3 deaths per 1000 person-years. The risk of all-cause mortality was 5.5 times greater for patients with impaired renal function at baseline and 10.8 times greater for patients who had eGFR decline.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the importance of early detection of CKD in patients with diabetes, prompting more comprehensive management of risk factors related to eGFR decline and mortality. Furthermore, it underscores the need for future research in this patient population, including investigations about other relevant risk factors and the impact of different medications, such as anti-diabetic and antihypertensive medications, on the GFR decline and mortality rate.

Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in SOD2 with susceptibility for the development of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes: A Saudi population study

INTRODUCTION

One of the complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) is diabetic nephropathy (DN), which plays a significant role in the progression of end-stage renal disease. Oxidative stress is implicated in DN pathogenesis, and genetic variations in antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and catalase (CAT) may contribute to the susceptibility. This study aimed to investigate the potential association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in antioxidant enzymes, specifically SOD2 rs4880 and CAT rs769217, and the risk of T2D and susceptibility to DN within the Saudi population.

METHODS

This case-control study included 150 participants, comprising 50 patients with T2D without DN (group 1), 50 patients with T2D with DN (group 2), and 50 healthy participants (group 3). The samples were genotyped using real-time PCR for SOD2 rs4880 and CAT rs769217 SNPs. Sanger sequencing was used for validation. Statistical analyses were performed to explore associations between these SNPs and T2D with or without DN.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed in CAT rs769217 expression between the groups. However, a significant difference was observed in SOD2 rs4880 expression between the healthy controls and patients with T2D with DN (p = .028). Furthermore, SOD2 rs4880 was associated with approximately threefold increased risk of DN in patients with T2D compared to that in healthy participants (odds ratio [OR] = 2.99 [1.31-6.83]). Validation through Sanger sequencing further confirmed these findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study provide evidence that SOD2 rs4880 SNP may contribute to inadequate defence by the antioxidant enzyme, SOD2, against DM-induced oxidative stress and thus cause DN in Saudi patients with T2D. Therefore, SOD2 rs4880 may serve as a predictive marker to prevent the development and progression of DN in patients with T2D.

The Correlation Between Health Risk Factors and Diabesity and Lipid Profile Indicators: The Role Mediator of TSH

Introduction

Obesity in adults is a problem, particularly when paired with other metabolic abnormalities. Previous research have linked various screening approaches to diabetes, but additional evidence points to the relevance of combining diabetes screening methods with obesity and its effects. This research examined the impact of thyroid hormones (TSHs) and health risk factors (HRFs) in screening for obesity and diabetes in Chinese populations, and whether age can modulate this association.

Methods

From March to July 2022, the Hefei Community Health Service Center connected with the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University was chosen, and the multi-stage cluster sample approach was utilized to test adults aged 21-90 in each community. Latent category analysis (LCA) was performed to investigate the clustering patterns of HRFs. A one-way ANOVA was used to examine waist circumference (WC), biochemical markers, and general data. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to investigate the relationship between health risk variables and WC.

Results

A total of 750 individuals without a history of major problems who had a community health physical examination were chosen, with missing data greater than 5% excluded. Finally, 708 samples were included in the study with an effective rate of 94.4%. The average WC was (90.0±10.33) cm, the prevalence in the >P₇₅, P₅₀~P₇₅, P₂₅~P₅₀, and ≤P₂₅ groups were 24.7%, 18.9%, 28.7% and 27.7%, respectively. The average TSH was (2.76±2.0) μIU/mL. Male (β=1.91), HOMA-IR (β=0.06), TyG (β=2.41), SBP (β=0.08), TG (β=0.94) and UA (β=0.03) were more likely to have a higher prevalence of WC level. The analyses revealed significant correlations between HRFs, TSH, age, other metabolic indexes and WC (P < 0.05).

Discussion

Our findings suggest that the quality of metabolic-related indicators used to successfully decrease diabetes in Chinese individuals with high HRFs levels should be prioritized. Comprehensive indicators might be a useful and practical way for measuring the metabolic evolution of diabetes level levels.

Effect of exercise on renal function in diabetic nephropathy-a systematic review and meta-analysis

Diabetic nephropathy causes cardiovascular complications among individuals with diabetes which results in decreased kidney function and overall physical decline. The objective of this systematic review was to determine effects of exercise on various renal function parameters amond individuals with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. It was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020198754). Total 6 databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Cochrane) were searched. Among 1734 records, only four randomized controlled trials were included. The review included a total of 203 participants (103 in the intervention group and 100 in the control/standard group) with type 2 diabetic nephropathy or stage 2,3, or 4 of chronic kidney disease. The meta-analysis showed no effects of exercise on serum creatinine, serum cystatin c and varied eGFR equations. However, exercise decreased urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, urinary protein to creatinine ratio, serum urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance, and urinary protein excretion while increasing urea clearance. Limited evidence on the reno-protective role of exercise demands future research in this direction.

Advanced glycation end products and diabetes and other metabolic indicators

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a global concern among adults. Previous studies have suggested an association between different screening methods and diabetes; however, increasing evidence has suggested the importance of early screening for diabetes mellitus (DM) and its influencing factors. In this study, we aimed to explore whether the non-invasive detection of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the early screening of DM in the Chinese community and whether body mass index (BMI) and metabolic indexes could moderate this relationship.

METHODS

Three community health service centers in Hefei that signed the medical consortium agreement with the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were selected to screen the population aged 30-90 years in each community using a multi-stage cluster sampling method from January 2018 to January 2019. Univariate analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in general data, biochemical indexes, skin AGEs levels, and blood glucose among groups. In addition, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 912 patients with a community health physical examination and no history of diabetes were selected, excluding those with missing values > 5%. Finally, 906 samples were included in the study with an effective rate of 99.3%. The prevalence in the normal, impaired glucose tolerance, and DM groups were 79.8%, 10.0%, and 10.2%, respectively. By dividing AGE by quartile, AGE accumulation was classified as ≤ P25, P25-P50, P50-P75, and > P75. Higher AGE accumulation (χ2 = 37.95), BMI (χ2 = 12.20), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (χ2 = 8.46), triglyceride (TG) (χ2 = 6.23), and older age (χ2 = 20.11) were more likely to have a higher prevalence of fasting blood glucose (FBG). The analyses revealed significant correlations between AGE accumulation, BMI, TG, total cholesterol (TC), and FBG (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

As the findings indicate, priority should be given to the quality of metabolic-related indicators, such as BMI, TG, and TC, employed to effectively reduce the FBG of Chinese participants with high AGE accumulation. Skin autofluorescence may prove to be a rapid and non-invasive method for assessing the metabolic progression of all glucose level layers.

Diabetic Retinopathy Is a Predictor of Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and the Google scholar for eligible studies through September 2021. The quality of selected articles was assessed using JBI checklist. Higgins and Thompson's I² statistic was used to see the degree of heterogeneity. Based on degree of heterogeneity, fixed or random effects model was used to estimate pooled effect using inverse variance method. Results were expressed as hazard ratios and odds ratios with 95% CIs.

Results

After scrutinizing 18017 articles, data from ten relevant studies (seven prospective and three retrospective) was extracted. DR was significantly associated with DKD progression with a pooled HR of 2.42 (95% CI: 1.70–3.45) and a pooled OR of 2.62 (95% CI: 1.76–3.89). There was also a significant association between the severity of DR and risk of progression of DKD with a pooled OR of 2.13 (95% CI: 1.82–2.50) for nonproliferative DR and 2.56 (95% CI: 2.93–.33) for proliferative DR.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that presence of DR is a strong predictor of risk of kidney disease progression in DKD patients. Furthermore, the risk of DKD progression increases with DR severity. Screening for retinal vascular changes could potentially help in prognostication and risk-stratification of patients with DKD.

Estimation of the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in combination with diabetic kidney disease and identification of the associated factors in patients attending primary hospitals in Anhui Province, China

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with chronic kidney disease (DM-CKD) and identify the associated factors in patients attending primary hospitals in Anhui Province, China.

Methods

A multi-stage sampling method was used to collect the demographic information, general clinical data, and details of the kidney disease of patients in 2019 through a questionnaire survey, physical examination, and laboratory examination.

Results

A total of 1067 patients with T2DM were studied, of whom 345 had chronic kidney disease (CKD; 32.33%); 18.8%, 12.2%, 58.0%, 9.9% and 1.2% of the participants had stages 1 to 5 CKD. Fifty-point-three percent of the participants were female and they were 59 ± 11.3 years old. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, systolic blood pressure, the duration of diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and smoking were associated with DM-CKD. The duration of diabetes was positively associated with body mass index, 2-hour postprandial glucose, fasting blood glucose concentration, glycosylated haemoglobin, total cholesterol concentration and triglyceride concentration.

Conclusions

The incidence of DM-CKD is relatively high in primary hospitals in Anhui Province. Appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures should be instituted according to the age, the duration of diabetes, sex, hypertension, smoking habits, and lipidaemia of patients.

Diabetic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes: a review of pathogenic mechanisms, patient-related factors and therapeutic options

The global prevalence of diabetic kidney disease is rapidly accelerating due to an increasing number of people living with type 2 diabetes. It has become a significant global problem, increasing human and financial pressures on already overburdened healthcare systems. Interest in diabetic kidney disease has increased over the last decade and progress has been made in determining the pathogenic mechanisms and patient-related factors involved in the development and pathogenesis of this disease. A greater understanding of these factors will catalyse the development of novel treatments and influence current practice. This review summarises the latest evidence for the factors involved in the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease, which will inform better management strategies targeting such factors to improve therapeutic outcomes in patients living with diabetes.

Effectiveness of Early Advanced Glycation End Product Accumulation Testing in the Diagnosis of Diabetes: A Health Risk Factor Analysis Using the Body Mass Index as a Moderator

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of non-invasive detection of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the early screening of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the community of China.

METHODS

From January 2018 to January 2019, a total of 912 patients with community health physical examination and no history of T2DM were selected, excluding the results of missing value > 5%. Finally, 906 samples were included in the study, with a response rate of 99.3%. Non-invasive diabetic detection technology was used to detect AGEs in the upper arm skin of all participants, AGE accumulations were classified as ≤P25, P25∼P50, P50∼P75, and >P75; HbA1c, insulin, C-peptide, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), creatinine, urea, and other indicators were measured at the same time. Univariate analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in general data, biochemical indexes, skin AGE levels, and blood glucose among groups, and logistic regression analysis and latent category analysis were performed.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, SBP, FBG, HbA1c, and age were correlated with higher AGE (p < 0.01); TG, TC, HDL, UA, and gender were not positively correlated with AGE (p < 0.01). After controlling for covariates (waist circumference, hip circumference), AGE accumulation was interacted with other variables. The results of latent category analysis (LCA) showed that the health risk factors (HRFs), including age, systolic blood pressure, HbA1c, FBG, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C, and uric acid, were divided as three groups, and AGE is divided into four categories according to the quartile method, which were low risk (≤P25), low to medium risk (P25∼P50), medium to high (P50∼P75), and high risk (>P75), respectively. The association between the quartile AGE and risk factors of the OR values was 1.09 (95% CI: 1.42, 2.86), 2.61 (95% CI: 1.11, 6.14), and 5.41 (95% CI: 2.42, 12.07), respectively. The moderation analysis using the PROCESS program was used to analyze whether BMI moderated the link between risk factors and AGE accumulation. There was also a significant three-way interaction among HRFs, BMI, and gender for AGE accumulation in the total sample (β = -0.30).

CONCLUSION

Non-invasive skin detection of AGEs has a certain application value for the assessment of T2DM risk and is related to a variety of risk factors.

Chronic Kidney Disease among Diabetes Patients in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Though different primary studies have reported the burden of chronic kidney disease among diabetes patients, their results have demonstrated substantial variation regarding its prevalence in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of chronic kidney disease and its associated factors among diabetes patients in Ethiopia.

Method

PubMed, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Wiley Online Library were searched to identify relevant studies. The I² statistic was used to check heterogeneity across the included studies. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled effect size across studies. A funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to determine the presence of publication bias. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA™ version 14 software.

Result

In this meta-analysis, a total of 12 studies with 4,075 study participants were included. The estimated prevalence of CKD among diabetes patients was found to be 35.52% (95% CI: 25.9–45.45, I² = 96.3%) for CKD stages 1 to 5 and 14.5% (95% CI: 10.5–18.49, I² = 91.1%) for CKD stages 3 to 5. Age greater than 60 years (OR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.56–5.73), female sex (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.04–2.69), duration of diabetes >10 years (OR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.38–5.51), body mass index >30 kg/m² (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.41–3.00), type 2 diabetes (OR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.73–3.73), poor glycemic control (OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.34–3.02), fasting blood glucose >150 mg/dl (OR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.79–3.72), high density lipoprotein >40 mg/dl (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.30–0.85–25), systolic blood pressure>140 mmHg (OR = 3.26; 95% CI: 2.24–4.74), and diabetic retinopathy (OR = 4.54; CI: 1.08–25) were significantly associated with CKD.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the prevalence of chronic kidney disease remains high among diabetes patients in Ethiopia. This study found that a long duration of diabetes, age>60 years, diabetic retinopathy, female sex, family history of kidney disease, poor glycemic control, systolic blood pressure, overweight, and high level of high-density lipoprotein were associated with chronic kidney disease among diabetic patients. Therefore, situation-based interventions and context-specific preventive strategies should be developed to reduce the prevalence and risk factors of chronic kidney disease among diabetes patients.

Effect of Ramadan fasting on renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on kidney functions in patients with type 2 DM.

METHODS

We recruited 90 subjects with type 2 DM intending to fast Ramadan; classified into 30 with albuminuria and renal impairment (group I), 30 with albuminuria and normal kidney functions (group II) and 30 without albuminuria and normal kidney functions (group III). Two weeks before and after Ramadan, fasting plasma glucose, 2 h plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, fructosamine, serum creatinine, BUN, eGFR and albumin/ creatinine ratio were measured.

RESULTS

On comparing data before and after Ramadan, significant reduction in HbA1c was found in all groups. As regards kidney function parameters, no significant difference was found in group I but a significant decline in these parameters was found in groups II and III; serum creatinine, eGFR, urinary albumin/ creatinine ratio (p <0.001). Only Group I showed significant hypoglycemic events and need for dose reduction.

CONCLUSION

Ramadan fasting improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 DM with no decline in kidney functions in renally impaired group, only a decline in albuminuric and healthy groups within the normal range. Patients should be adviced regarding adequate hydration and dietary modification during Pre-Ramadan health care education.

Microvascular complications among patients with diabetes: An emerging health problem in Saudi Arabia

Diabetes mellitus, besides disrupting the carbohydrate metabolism process, also induces vascular disease and impacts nearly all the types and sizes of blood vessels. In fact, vascular complications cause majority of the morbidity, hospitalizations and mortality of patients with diabetes mellitus. Retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy (microvascular complications) impact hundreds of millions of diabetics and normally target those having long-term or uncontrolled forms of the disease; however, these disorders can also exist at the time of diagnosis or in those yet to be diagnosed. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the biggest country in the Middle East that occupies around four-fifths of the Arabian Peninsula supporting a population of more than 33.3 million people. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing at an alarming rate in Saudi Arabia. Over 25% of the adult population is suffering and that figure is projected to more than double by 2030. In fact, diabetes mellitus has approximately registered a 10-fold upsurge in the past three decades in Saudi Arabia. However, the prevalence and risk factors of microvascular complications in diabetes mellitus patients have not yet been clearly documented in Saudi Arabia. Hence, in this review, we aim to provide an overview of the microvascular complications among patients with diabetes in Saudi Arabia, utilizing data from the currently available published literature. This is an attempt to facilitate the government and healthcare systems aware of the enormous worth of prevention, early detection and appropriate management of such microvascular complications.

Study on the association between vitamin D receptor gene fokI (T/C) polymorphisms and the susceptibility to type 2 diabetic kidney disease of Han nationality in south of China

AIMS

To investigate the distribution of vitamin D receptor fokI gene polymorphism in Yunnan Han population, and to explore the relationship between SNP of fokI and type 2 diabetic kidney disease.

METHODS

We included 276 individuals of Han population of Yunnan in this study: 91 type 2 diabetes patients without kidney disease (DM group), their duration of diabetes is more than 10 years, 89 type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD group), their duration of diabetes is less than 10 years and 96 healthy controls (NC group). We compared the concentration of 25 hydroxy vitamin D in different groups and used taqman probe to detect the genotype and allele of fokI, then analysed the relationship between the polymorphisms of fokI and the susceptibility of diabetic kidney disease.

RESULTS

(1) NC group had a significantly higher plasma concentrations of 25 (OH) D than DKD group and DM group (P < 0.01); (2) 25 (OH) D and age, BMI, HbA1c, TG showed a weak negative correlation (P < 0.01); (3) Genotype of fokI showed no differences in DM group and DKD group, same as in DM group and NC group; FF genotype in DKD group is relatively lower than NC group (P < 0.05), and there is no difference in Ff and ff genotype (P > 0.05); In DKD group, f allele was 53.4%, higher than DM group (RR = 1.46, P < 0.05); (4) Logistic regression analysis showed that ff genotype may be a susceptible factor for DKD (P = 0.04, OR = 2.37).

CONCLUSION

FokI Ff genotype accounted for a larger proportion of the Han population in Yunnan, and ff genotype may be a susceptible factor for DKD in Yunnan Han population.

Clinical Trajectories, Healthcare Resource Use, and Costs of Diabetic Nephropathy Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Latent Class Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are clinically heterogeneous in terms of disease severity, treatment, and comorbidities, potentially resulting in differential diabetic nephropathy (DN) progression courses. In this exploratory study we used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify patient groups with distinct clinical profiles of T2DM severity and explored the association between disease severity, DN progression or reversal, and healthcare resource use (HRU) and costs.

METHODS

Latent class analysis was used to group adults with ≥  2 medical claims with a diagnosis of T2DM and ≥ 2 urine albumin tests within the Truven MarketScan database (2004-2014), based on T2DM-related complications, comorbidities, and therapies. DN severity categories (normoalbuminuria, moderately increased albuminuria, and severely increased albuminuria) were determined based on urine albumin measure. The risks of DN progression and reversal (change to a more/less severe DN category) were compared among all identified latent classes using Kaplan-Meier analyses and log-rank tests. All-cause and DN-related costs and HRU were assessed and compared during the study period among the identified latent classes.

RESULTS

Four clinically distinct profiles were identified among the 23,235 eligible patients: low comorbidity/low treatment (46.5%), low comorbidity/high treatment (29.0%), moderate comorbidity/high insulin use (9.7%), and high comorbidity/moderate treatment (14.8%). The 5-year DN progression rates for these clinically distinct profiles were 11.8, 18, 16.5, and 27.7%, respectively. Compared with the low comorbidity/low treatment group, all other groups were associated with an increased risk of DN progression (all p < 0.001). Increasing comorbidity was significantly associated with higher all-cause and DN-related HRU and costs, primarily driven by higher pharmacy and inpatient costs.

CONCLUSION

Patients with T2DM who have more comorbidities experienced higher rates of DN progression and HRU and incurred higher healthcare costs compared with patients with low comorbidity profiles. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm the significance of these groups on DN progression, HRU, and costs.

FUNDING

Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc.

Albuminuria, serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate as predictors of cardio-renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and kidney disease: a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Albuminuria, elevated serum creatinine and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are pivotal indicators of kidney decline. Yet, it is uncertain if these and emerging biomarkers such as uric acid represent independent predictors of kidney disease progression or subsequent outcomes among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study systematically examined the available literature documenting the role of albuminuria, serum creatinine, eGFR, and uric acid in predicting kidney disease progression and cardio-renal outcomes in persons with T2DM.

METHODS

Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Trials Register and Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for relevant studies from January 2000 through May 2016. PubMed was searched from 2013 until May 2016 to retrieve studies not yet indexed in the other databases. Observational cohort or non-randomized longitudinal studies relevant to albuminuria, serum creatinine, eGFR, uric acid and their association with kidney disease progression, non-fatal cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality as outcomes in persons with T2DM, were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers screened citations to ensure studies met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

From 2249 citations screened, 81 studies were retained, of which 39 were omitted during the extraction phase (cross-sectional [n = 16]; no outcome/measure of interest [n = 13]; not T2DM specific [n = 7]; review article [n = 1]; editorial [n = 1]; not in English language [n = 1]). Of the remaining 42 longitudinal study publications, biomarker measurements were diverse, with seven different measures for eGFR and five different measures for albuminuria documented. Kidney disease progression differed substantially across 31 publications, with GFR loss (n = 9 [29.0%]) and doubling of serum creatinine (n = 5 [16.1%]) the most frequently reported outcome measures. Numerous publications presented risk estimates for albuminuria (n = 18), serum creatinine/eGFR (n = 13), or both combined (n = 6), with only one study reporting for uric acid. Most often, these biomarkers were associated with a greater risk of experiencing clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the utility of albuminuria, serum creatinine, and eGFR as predictors of kidney disease progression, further efforts to harmonize biomarker measurements are needed given the disparate methodologies observed in this review. Such efforts would help better establish the clinical significance of these and other biomarkers of renal function and cardio-renal outcomes in persons with T2DM.

The Saudi Diabetic Kidney Disease study (Saudi-DKD): clinical characteristics and biochemical parameters

BACKGROUND

Saudi Arabia is facing an epidemic of type 2 diabetes that is complicated by a high rate of chronic complications such as kidney disease, which have a major impact on the healthcare system and economy. The Saudi diabetic kidney disease (SAUDI-DKD) study was launched to understand the implications of chronic diabetic kidney disease .

OBJECTIVES

Examine the hematological, biochemical and metabolic parameters of the selected cohorts to look for biomarkers of diabetic nephropathy.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, hospital-based.

SETTING

Four general hospitals and two dialysis centers in Riyadh.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We recruited adult type 2 diabetic patients aged between 35 and 70 years, with a duration of diabetes > 10 years, including subjects with microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria and end stage renal disease (ESRD). They were compared with subjects with normal albumin excretion classified according to American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The effect of different stages of diabetic nephropathy on hematological and biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

Of 427 subjects with nephropathy, 184 (43%) had microalbuminuria, 83 (19%) had macroalbu.minuria and 160 (37%) had end stage renal disease (ESRD). The remaining 213 (50%) subjects did not have nephropathy. Patients with nephropathy were older with a mean age (SD) of 55.62 (6.00) years and had a longer duration of diabetes (mean [SD], 19.04 [6.33]) years), and had a lower monthly income and body mass index (BMI) than patients without nephropathy. Insulin resistance, elevated uric acid level, low red blood cells (RBCs) count and low hemoglobin level were associated with significantly increased risk of macroalbuminuria and ESRD. Elevated uric acid and LDH were associated with significantly increased risk of microalbuminuria and ESRD, while elevated red blood cell distribution width was significantly associated with an increased risk of ESRD.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic nephropathy is associated with insulin resistance, changes in liver enzymes and uric acid in addition to abnormalities in the red blood cell count and red blood cell shape that warrant frequent monitoring among patients with diabetic kidney disease.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional study design and exclusion of patients with some risk factors.

Metabolic parameters in diabetic neuropathic patients after treatment with pregabalin

OBJECTIVE

To assess metabolic parameters in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) before and after 3 months treatment with a flexible dose pregabalin.

METHODS

This is a prospective clinical trial. The metabolic parameters observed and recorded after 3 months treatment with a flexible dose pregabalin (n=331).

RESULTS

The lipid profile parameters were significantly improved after treatment, total cholesterol, TC (P<0.01, 95% CI, 25.91-41.98), low-density lipoprotein, LDL (P<0.01, 95% CI, 21.11-34.80), triglycerides, TG (P<0.001, 95% CI, 56.43-79.26), all the three parameters significantly decreased while high-density lipoprotein, HDL, significantly increased (P<0.05, 95% CI, -8.61 to -5.51). Microalbumin mean was 16±1.39 before treatment versus 6.5±0.59 after treatment. Glycolated hemoglobin, HbA1c mean was 9.6±0.099 before pregabalin therapy and 7.6 ±0.06 after. BMI mean was 33.5±0.45 before versus 31.1±0.33 after (P<0.001). HbA1C was positively correlated with DPN severity before treatment (r=0.18, P<0.01). Same results were observed with weight and waist circumference (r=0.17, P<0.01, r=0.14, P<0.05 respectively). Oral anti diabetic medications (OAD) were also positively correlated to DPN severity before treatment (r=0.115, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Prompt treatment of DPN has a significant effect on the metabolic parameters.

Efficacy of Shenzhuo formula on diabetic kidney disease: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy of a traditional Chinese medicine, Shenzhuo formula, on patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

METHODS

Eighty-eight outpatients with DKD were enrolled. Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), creatinine clearance, serum creatinine, blood-urea-nitrogen, albuminuria, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), blood pressure, and lipid profile were measured and analyzed before and after intervention with Shenzhuo formula for 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months.

RESULTS

Compared with the baseline amounts, serum creatinine decreased, and eGFR and creatinine clearance increased, significantly after intervention for 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months (all P < 0.05). Mean eGFR increased by 2.11 mL/min per 1.73 m²/y after 18-month treatment. Urinary protein at 24 h decreased significantly after 1, 3, 9, and 12 months (P < 0.05). HbA1C decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months, and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after 1, 3, and 6 months. Total cholesterol decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after 1, 3, 6, and 18 months. Triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after 1 and 3 months.

CONCLUSION

Shenzhuo formula can improve eGFR and possibly slow DKD progression. Shenzhuo formula can also lower HbA1C, lipid levels and blood pressure.

Cardiovascular risk profiles of adults with type-2 diabetes treated at urban hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Diabetes mellitus substantially increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Among Saudi Arabian citizens with diabetes, little is known about the prevalence and control of other CVD risk factors.

We extracted data from medical records of a random selection of 422 patients seen between 2008 and 2012 at two diabetic clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We calculated the proportion of patients who had additional CVD risk factors: obesity (body mass index ⩾ 30 kg/m²), hypertension (BP ⩾ 140/90 mmHg), elevated cholesterol fractions, and multiple risk factors). Further, we calculated the proportion of patients meeting the American Diabetes Association’s recommended care targets for each risk factor.

Of 422 patients (mean age, 52 years), half were women, 56% were obese, 45% had hypertension, and 77% had elevated LDL concentrations. In addition to diabetes, 70% had two or more CVD risk factors. Although 9% met both target HbA1c and BP values, only 3.5% had optimum HbA1c, BP, and lipid values.

In Saudi Arabia’s best diabetes clinics, most patients have poor control of their disease. This huge disease burden and related care gaps have important health and financial implications for the country.

The Relationship between Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in working-aged people. Several studies have suggested that glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was correlated with DR. This is a hospital-based study and the aim of it was to examine the relationship between the GFR and DR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We used CKD-EPI equation to estimate GFR and SPSS 19.0 and EmpowerStats software to assess their relationship. Among the 1613 participants (aged 54.75 ± 12.19 years), 550 (34.1%) patients suffered from DR. The multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for DR include age (P < 0.001, OR = 0.940), duration of diabetes (P < 0.001, OR = 1.163), hemoglobin A1c (P = 0.007, OR = 1.224), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001, OR = 1.032), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.007, OR = 0.953), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.024, OR = 3.884), and eGFR (P = 0.010, OR = 0.973). Through stratified analysis and saturation effect analysis, our data suggests that eGFR of 99.4 mL/min or lower might imply the early stage of DR in diabetic patients. Thus, the evaluation of eGFR has clinical significance for the early diagnosis of DR.

Urinary biomarker N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase can predict severity of renal damage in diabetic nephropathy

Background

Diabetic nephropathy is a clinical diagnosis where proteinuria is present in a patient with diabetes. Early intervention can significantly improve the prognosis. However, imprecision of the currently available biomarkers have impaired effective therapies in a timely manner. Urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) is excreted in abnormally high amounts in many renal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate urinary NAG as an early biomarker in detection of diabetic nephropathy and whether it parallels the severity of kidney damage in different stages of diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

Fifty patients with type 2 DM were classified into 3 groups (normoalbuminurea, microalbuminurea and macroalbuminurea) and 10 healthy subjects served as a control group. Urinary NAG, albumin and creatinine were measured. Blood urea, serum creatinine, serum albumin, total proteins, serum cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fasting and postprandial blood glucose, HbA1c and creatinine clearance were measured for all subjects.

Results

All diabetic patients had a significantly higher level of urinary NAG compared to control. NAG value increased in parallel with the severity of renal involvement.

Conclusion

Urinary NAG expresses the degree of renal impairment in diabetic nephropathy.

The link between chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease

CONTEXT

It is well known that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a strong risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the excess risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with CKD is only partially explained by the presence of traditional risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITIONS

Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO and Web of Science has been searched.

RESULTS

Chronic kidney disease even in its early stages can cause hypertension and potentiate the risk for cardiovascular disease. However, the practice of intensive blood pressure lowering was criticized in recent systematic reviews. Available evidence is inconclusive but does not prove that a blood pressure target of less than 130/80 mmHg as recommended in the guidelines improves clinical outcomes more than a target of less than 140/90 mmHg in adults with CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between CKD and CVD has been extensively documented in the literature. Both CKD and CVD share common traditional risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. However, cardiovascular disease remains often underdiagnosed und undertreated in patients with CKD. It is imperative that as clinicians, we recognize that patients with CKD are a group at high risk for developing CVD and cardiovascular events. Additional studies devoted to further understand the risk factors for CVD in patients with CKD are necessary to develop and institute preventative and treatment strategies to reduce the high morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD.

Diabetic nephropathy and its risk factors in a society with a type 2 diabetes epidemic: a Saudi National Diabetes Registry-based study

Aims

The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy and its risk factors have not been studied in a society known to have diabetes epidemic like Saudi Arabia. Using a large data base registry will provide a better understanding and accurate assessment of this chronic complication and its related risk factors.

Methodology

A total of 54,670 patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≥25 years were selected from the Saudi National Diabetes Registry (SNDR) and analyzed for the presence of diabetic nephropathy. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) criterion was used to identify cases with microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria and end stage renal disease (ESRD) for prevalence estimation and risk factor assessment.

Results

The overall prevalence of diabetic nephropathy was 10.8%, divided into 1.2% microalbuminuria, 8.1%macroalbuninuria and 1.5% ESRD. Age and diabetes duration as important risk factors have a strong impact on the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy, ranging from 3.7% in patients aged 25–44 years and a duration of >5 years, to 21.8% in patients ≥65 years with a diabetes duration of ≥15 years. Diabetes duration, retinopathy, neuropathy, hypertension, age >45 years, hyperlipidemia, male gender, smoking, and chronologically, poor glycemic control has a significantly high risk for diabetic nephropathy.

Conclusion

The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy is underestimated as a result of a shortage of screening programs. Risk factors related to diabetic nephropathy in this society are similar to other societies. There is thus an urgent need for screening and prevention programs for diabetic nephropathy among the Saudi population.

Rate of decline of kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the associated factors: a 10-year retrospective cohort study

This study examines the rate of decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over a 10-year period and the associated risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Medical records of T2DM patients were randomly selected. The rate of fall in eGFR (simplified modification of diet in renal disease formula) was used as a measure of decline. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the factors associated with decline of kidney function. A total of 504 patients were selected. Mean age was 57.8 ± 9 years; 65.3% were females. The mean decline rate of eGFR was 0.89 ± 2.16 mL/min/1.73 m(2)/y. Baseline proteinuria, glycosylated hemoglobin level, duration of T2DM, and Malay race were associated with faster decline in eGFR. The expected greater deterioration in kidney function in this cohort was not seen. Treatment of proteinuria and glycemia should be optimized early to retard the decline in kidney function in patients with T2DM.

Soy milk consumption, inflammation, coagulation, and oxidative stress among type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of soy milk consumption compared with cow's milk on inflammation, coagulation, and oxidative stress among patients with diabetic nephropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This randomized, crossover clinical trial was conducted on 25 type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy. This study had two trial phases, each for 4 weeks and one washout period for 2 weeks. Patients were randomly assigned to consume a diet containing soy milk or a diet containing cow's milk.

RESULTS

Soy milk consumption resulted in a significant reduction in d-dimer level (percent change: -3.77 vs. 16.13%; P < 0.05). This significant effect remained even after adjusting for confounding factor (carbohydrate intake). However, soy milk consumption had no significant effects on tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and malondialdehyde levels. The result was near to significance regarding the effect of soy milk consumption on hs-CRP (percent change: -35.45 vs. 36.76%; P = 0.05). However, this effect was not significant after adjusting for the confounding variable (carbohydrate intake).

CONCLUSIONS

Soy milk consumption could decrease serum d-dimer level among type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy. However, markers of inflammation and oxidative stress did not change following soy milk intake among these patients.