Early intervention can prevent diabetic kidney disease, specialist says

People with type 2 diabetes at risk of cardio-renal complications are less likely to develop diabetic kidney disease if they are started on preventative treatment early, a consultant nephrologist claims.

Dr Andrew Frankel, Consultant Nephrologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, revealed that quickly identifying people at risk of cardio-renal complications can stop them from going on to develop diabetic kidney disease.

During his session at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2024, Dr Frankel suggested that SGLT2 Inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists could be prescribed to people at risk because these medications can potentially prevent diabetic kidney disease.

“By the time we are currently recognising those at risk of diabetic kidney disease, damage is already being caused. eGFR is useless because by the time it has dropped, you have knackered kidneys,” said Dr Frankel.

He added: “We need to shift the slope of when we intervene because early identification improves patient outcomes and the economy.”

People with type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic kidney disease if there is a history of the condition in their family.

In addition, individuals with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese, or have high blood pressure, are also at risk of developing diabetic kidney disease.

Dr Frankel said: “We are facing a threat in this country that people needing dialysis is significantly increasing, causing a tsunami of disease.”