Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (or diabetic kidney disease in the new nomenclature) is among frequent diabetes complications, particularlyin patients with worse disease control, hypertension, glomerular hyperfiltration, or genetic predispositions. Furthermore,progression of diabetic nephropathy is often associated with smoking, anaemia, and increased protein intake.
At present, patientswith both type 1 and type 2 diabetes appear to have a similarly high risk of developing diabetic nephropathy. Preventionand treatment of diabetic kidney disease must be comprehensive and involves tight glycaemic control, blood pressure control(by blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system), and reduction in LDL cholesterol.
Other measures include, for instance,exclusion of nephrotoxic medication. Currently, the effect of novel antidiabetics on the progression of diabetic nephropathy isbeing intensively studied; based on the findings of recent studies, empagliflozin and liraglutide lead to a significant reduction incardiovascular and renal endpoints as well as a decrease in mortality.
The paper aims at providing a comprehensive overview ofthe current strategies in the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy with a focus on the role of novel antidiabetics.