Renal considerations in patients with type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Renal impairment frequently co-exists with diabetes (type 1 and type 2).¹ As many agents used to control blood glucose are metabolised by the kidneys, reduced renal function has important implications for the choice and dose of oral hypoglycaemic agents.

This module aims to raise awareness of how chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts on the management of hyperglycaemia, including the need for dose reduction for many agents used in the management of type 2 diabetes.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

On completion of this module, you will:

• Be familiar with the risk of declining renal function over time in patients with type 2 diabetes
• Be able to identify the factors that lead to the development of diabetic kidney disease
• Understand how to diagnose renal impairment and stage CKD
• Be aware of how CKD impacts on the management of hyperglycaemia, including the need for dose reduction for many agents used in the management of type 2 diabetes

This module is one of a series of five. Others in the series are:

• Targets for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes
• Tailoring therapy to the individual patient
• Short-term complications of type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular considerations in patients with type 2 diabetes

This resource is provided at an intermediate level. Read the article and answer the self-assessment questions, and reflect on what you have learned.

Complete the resource to obtain a certificate to include in your revalidation portfolio. You should record the time spent on this resource in your CPD log.

References

1. NICE NG203. Chronic kidney disease in adults: assessment and management, 2021. https://www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/ng203 [Accessed July 2022]