The Vascular Disease of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Background: The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Summary: Aortic stiffness is a well-accepted biomarker for cardiovascular (CV) events in all stages of CKD. The worldwide prevalence of diabetes continues to grow, as does the prevalence of DKD. Insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and the metabolic abnormalities of type-2 diabetes are all involved in the pathogenesis of CVD. The effect of these toxins on cardiac and vascular function is amplified by the worsening of renal function and the parallel rise of uraemic toxins.

Key messages: In this narrative review, we analysed why arterial stiffening can be considered a vascular mediator between diabetes and cardiac dysfunction, and we discussed the strong CV and nephroprotective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter type-2 inhibitors.

Keywords: Arterial stiffness; Cardiorenal syndrome; Diabetic kidney disease; Sodium-glucose cotransporter type-2 inhibitors.