Identifying Risk Factors to Improve Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts about 37 million people in the U.S., nearly half of whom also live with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, while more than 1 in 7 adults have CKD, 90% of them don’t know they have it. With the recent advances in scientific innovation and the greater understanding of the disease pathology, we are witnessing more conversations about the staggering disease burden and the importance of early CKD diagnosis. Growing evidence, including important data presented at this year’s American Diabetes Association 82nd Scientific Sessions, highlight the interlinks and significance of CKD in type 2 diabetes.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has been making substantial efforts to add screening for CKD to its preventive services under active consideration. This follows a recent call from the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Task Force to adopt a new equation that estimates kidney function without a race parameter. The removal of race as a variable for kidney health will better address existing racial disparities in diagnosing CKD. If implemented, these steps could increase early diagnosis for millions of people with CKD and ensure they get the treatments they need as soon as possible. Tests, such as urinary albumin measurement and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are simple to perform and readily available. With greater interest in early detection, they can be more fully utilized to help uncover a frequently insidious disease. 

Given the traditional presence of multiple overlapping diseases in those living with CKD, a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care approach is critical. Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are leading causes of kidney failure, accounting for 3 out of 4 new cases. Primary Care Providers and Endocrinologists are uniquely positioned to identify established risk factors and early signs of CKD. They play an important role in collaboration with Nephrologists and Cardiologists to accelerate the adoption of holistic care in routine practice. We believe that this team-based approach is a ‘win-win’ for all parties aiming to effectively address the intertwined disease burden, enhance the quality of life, improve outcomes, and transform the lives of millions living with cardio-renal-metabolic conditions.

Until recently, there were so few treatment options for CKD that early testing provided limited value to people with this progressive condition. The new emphasis on early detection and treatment, which is seen in the latest guidelines updates from both the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) and ASN, coincide with the recent therapeutic innovations which have evolved rapidly over the last few years. We are encouraged by the increasing emphasis on early risk identification as well as the growing availability of treatment options for those living with CKD.