Renal Disease in Diabetes Mellitus: Recent Studies and Potential Therapies

Diabetic kidney disease is the predominant cause of end stage kidney disease in North America, estimated to be 152 per million population in 2010. New guidelines published by KDIGO on Chronic Kidney Disease classification are discussed. In light of recent clinical trials, better insight has been gained on how improve management of diabetic patients to prevent renal disease and its progression, especially with regards to metabolic and blood pressure control. Unfortunately, studies of newer therapies such as endothelin 1 antagonists and bardoxolone methyl have been disappointing, but several other possible therapeutic agents are under investigation and may provide hope for patients with diabetes mellitus in the future.