Beyond Traditional Silos: An Integrated Framework Leveraging Novel Pathways for Reducing Cardio-renal Risk in Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and accelerates kidney function decline, leading to end-stage renal disease. In addition, patients with CKD are at elevated risk of developing cardiovascular disease with its manifestations as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death through the cardiorenal connection. An online regional and international expert panel of cardiologists, nephrologists, and diabetologists convened in November 2021 to obtain a broad perspective on the intersection of diabetes mellitus, CKD, and cardiovascular disease and identified treatment gaps that can help address the unmet needs of the patients in the Middle East region. The current review article summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options of CKD in diabetes and discusses the currently available treatment options to reduce morbidity and mortality in this high-risk population. The panel discussed the roles of clinical specialties and how to simplify the patient journey.