The prevalence of diabetic kidney disease in India is escalating swiftly, primarily due to the increasing rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports that approximately 25-30% of individuals with diabetes in India experience some level of kidney impairment.

In a discussion with Dr. Rajiv Kovil, the Head of Diabetology at Zandra Healthcare and Co-Founder of the Rang De Neela Initiative, he emphasized the importance of early detection of kidney disease in diabetic patients to slow its progression towards kidney failure. He noted that many individuals with diabetic kidney disease ultimately succumb to heart disease.

Dr. Kovil elaborated on the role of podocytes, specialized cells within the kidney's glomerular tissue, which are essential for maintaining the filtration barrier. In cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), chronic high blood sugar levels can lead to podocyte damage and loss, resulting in protein leakage into the urine. The loss of podocytes serves as an early indicator of diabetic kidney disease, often occurring before a significant decline in kidney function is observed.

Dr. Rajiv Kovil explained that the Urinary Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) serves as a crucial diagnostic indicator for the early detection of kidney damage. An elevated UACR, defined as greater than 30 mg/g, indicates the presence of albuminuria, which is a sign of early-stage kidney disease. Identifying an increased UACR at an early stage allows for prompt therapeutic measures to avert the progression to kidney failure.

Strategies for Early Treatment  

Dr. Rajiv Kovil emphasized that early intervention strategies focused on lowering UACR can significantly decelerate the progression of kidney disease. 

• Patients suffering from diabetic kidney disease frequently exhibit conditions such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or diabetic macular edema (DME), and these conditions can occur concurrently. Effectively managing blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and kidney function simultaneously can mitigate the risk of worsening retinopathy in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). 
• Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as a groundbreaking class of medications for the treatment of both diabetes and CKD. These drugs, including empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin, function by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, which promotes glucose excretion and osmotic diuresis. This process leads to a reduction in intraglomerular pressure, thereby safeguarding the kidneys from further damage.

The primary advantages of SGLT2 inhibitors for patients with CKD and diabetes include:  

1. Decrease in Albuminuria: Research, including the EMPA-KIDNEY and DAPA-CKD trials, has shown significant reductions in albuminuria, which helps slow the progression of CKD.  

2. Preservation of Kidney Function: Prolonged use of SGLT2 inhibitors is associated with a slower decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).  

3. Cardiovascular Protection: These inhibitors also lower the incidence of cardiovascular events, which are a leading cause of death in individuals with diabetic kidney disease.  

4. Delay in Dialysis or Kidney Failure: By reducing intraglomerular pressure, SGLT2 inhibitors contribute to postponing the onset of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Dr Rajiv Kovil asserted, “Chronic kidney disease remains a major complication of type 2 Diabetes, with significant morbidity and mortality. Early detection through UACR and managing proteinuria are essential strategies to slow kidney function decline.”

He stated, "The introduction of SGLT2 inhibitors has transformed the treatment of diabetic kidney disease by decreasing albuminuria, safeguarding renal function, and providing cardiovascular benefits. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes in India, the extensive use of SGLT2 inhibitors, along with regular screening and prompt intervention, can significantly slow the advancement of chronic kidney disease in diabetic patients, thereby enhancing their outcomes and overall quality of life."

Read Also: Are You Eating Pesticides? Nutritionist Reveals Shocking Truth About Unwashed Fruits

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!