The early burden of cardiac and renal disease in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes represents a significant public health problem, due to its alarming prevalence and associated complications such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). These are closely interconnected and constitute the main causes of morbidity and mortality in people with type 2 diabetes.(1)

Over the recent decade, efforts for optimal management of CVD risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes have had an impact on atherosclerotic outcomes (clogged arteries) but not on HF and CKD. Studies have shown these to be more common complications in people with type 2 diabetes than stroke, heart attack and peripheral artery disease. accounting for the highest proportion of hospital healthcare costs and associated with increased mortality risks. This evidence highlights the importance of cardiorenal awareness when planning healthcare.(2,3,4)

Insights about the course of diabetes and its complications are key for effective preventive strategies. Diabetes and diabetes complications registries facilitate epidemiological research that helps to identify trends and inform campaigns to bring about policy change to improve the lives of people living with the condition.(5)

The iCaReMe Global Registry, is a real-world, evidence-based international observational study that collects data on cardio-renal complications in people with type 2 diabetes. The registry provides a cloud-based tool for healthcare professionals to track data and follow up on their patients with diabetes and cardio-renal complications.(6)

From December 2020 to December 2021, more than 12,000 people with type 2 diabetes, initially free from CVD, in six countries – Argentina, Egypt, India, Mexico, Malaysia, the Philippines – participated in the study.

The interim findings showed a substantial burden of early and silent cardiac and renal-related complications associated with type 2 diabetes, with one in three participants presenting with renal or cardiac damages. The data highlights the importance of early screening of cardiorenal complications and early interventions for preventing or treating chronic kidney disease and heart failure.

Based on these initial findings, the International Diabetes Federation has launched the type 2 diabetes and cardiorenal complications programme to:

• Put registries like iCaReMe in the hands of healthcare professionals in low- and middle-income countries
• Advocate for policies that improve quality of care and raise awareness of the risk and potential consequences of cardio-renal complications in people living with diabetes.

References

1. Diabetes Therapy volume 13, pages 1–3 (2022).
2. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2020 Sep; 22(9): 1607–1618.
3. Diabetes Ther. 2022 Feb; 13(2): 275–286.
4. Diabetes Obes Metab 2022 Jul;24(7): 1277-1287.doi: 10.1111 / dom.14698.
5. WHO Europe. Registries and information systems for diabetes care in the WHO European Region: preliminary findings for consultation.
6. https://www.idf.org/our-activities/epidemiology-research/t2d-and-cardio-renal-complications