A growing and significant number of people with diabetes develop chronic kidney disease (CKD), and diabetes-related CKD is a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). People with diabetes and CKD have high morbidity and mortality, predominantly related to cardiovascular disease (CVD).Hyperglycemia and hypertension are modifiable risk factors to prevent the onset and progression of CKD and related CVD. Recent clinical trials of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and CKD have demonstrated reduction in composite kidney end point events (significant decline in kidney function, need for kidney replacement therapy, and kidney-related death) and cardiovascular risk with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (nsMRAs) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs).The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists and UK Kidney Association Diabetic Kidney Disease Clinical Speciality Group have previously undertaken a narrative review and critical appraisal of the available evidence to inform clinical practice guidelines for the pharmacological management of hyperglycemia in adults with T2DM and CKD. This 2025 abbreviated updated guidance by a multidisciplinary group of health care professionals from primary and secondary care settings summarizes the key recommendations, clinical considerations and recent evidence that has implications for clinical practice for health care professionals who treat people with T2DM and CKD.
People with type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing progressive diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and end stage kidney failure. Hypertension is a major, reversible risk factor in people with diabetes for development of albuminuria, impaired kidney function, end-stage kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Slowing progression of kidney disease and reducing cardiovascular events can be achieved by a number of means including the targeting of blood pressure and the use of specific classes of drugs The use of Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) blockade is effective in preventing or slowing progression of DKD and reducing cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes, albeit differently according to the stage of DKD. However, emerging therapy such as non-steroidal selective mineralocorticoid antagonists (finerenone) is proven to lower blood pressure and further reduce the risk of progression of DKD and cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes. This consensus reviews current evidence and make recommendations for the use of finerenone in the management of diabetes kidney disease in the UK.
A growing and significant number of people with diabetes develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diabetes-related CKD is a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and people with diabetes and CKD have high morbidity and mortality, predominantly related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite advances in care over the recent decades, most people with CKD and type 2 diabetes are likely to die of CVD before developing ESKD. Hyperglycaemia and hypertension are modifiable risk factors to prevent onset and progression of CKD and related CVD. People with type 2 diabetes often have dyslipidaemia and CKD per se is an independent risk factor for CVD, therefore people with CKD and type 2 diabetes require intensive lipid lowering to reduce burden of CVD. Recent clinical trials of people with type 2 diabetes and CKD have demonstrated a reduction in composite kidney end point events (significant decline in kidney function, need for kidney replacement therapy and kidney death) with sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists. The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) and UK Kidney Association (UKKA) Diabetic Kidney Disease Clinical Speciality Group have previously undertaken a narrative review and critical appraisal of the available evidence to inform clinical practice guidelines for the management of hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension in adults with type 2 diabetes and CKD. This 2024 abbreviated updated guidance summarises the recommendations and the implications for clinical practice for healthcare professionals who treat people with diabetes and CKD in primary, community and secondary care settings.
The contribution of chronic kidney disease (CKD) towards the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) is magnified with co-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Lipids are a modifiable risk factor and good lipid management offers improved outcomes for people with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The primary purpose of this guideline, written by the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) and UK Kidney Association (UKKA) working group, is to provide practical recommendations on lipid management for members of the multidisciplinary team involved in the care of adults with DKD.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are increasingly initiated as treatment for type 2 diabetes due to favourable cardiorenal characteristics. However, studies have identified an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). We carried out a retrospective, case-based study at East and North Herts NHS Trust between February 2018 and December 2020. Fifteen cases of SGLT2i associated DKA were identified in people with presumed type 2 diabetes; 33.3% were classed as euglycaemic DKA with a blood glucose of <11mmol/L. All cases were associated with a significant precipitating factor including diarrhoea, vomiting, reduced oral intake and sepsis. One case was related to COVID-19. Two people were subsequently found to have raised islet autoantibodies suggesting type 1 diabetes or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults. It is important that awareness of SGLT2i associated DKA is raised among users and health care practitioners, including the recognition of euglycaemic DKA. Sick day rules should be emphasised and reiterated at clinical encounters. Non-specialists in primary care, oncology and in perioperative settings should be empowered to advocate for temporary withdrawal and there should be readier access to blood ketone monitoring when required. When SGLT2i associated DKA occurs, due consideration should be given to evaluate the diabetes classification and investigate the circumstances of the event.
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) accounts for >40% cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) globally. Hypertension is a major risk factor for progression of DKD and the high incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality in these people. Meticulous management of hypertension is therefore crucial to slow down the progression of DKD and reduce cardiovascular risk. Randomized controlled trial evidence differs in type 1 and type 2 diabetes and in different stages of DKD in terms of target blood pressure (BP). Renin-angiotensin blocking agents reduce progression of DKD and cardiovascular events in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, albeit differently according to the stage of CKD. There is emerging evidence for the benefit of sodium glucose cotransporter 2, nonsteroidal selective mineralocorticoid antagonists, and endothelin-A receptor antagonists in slowing progression and reducing cardiovascular events in DKD. This UK guideline, developed jointly by diabetologists and nephrologists, has reviewed all available current evidence regarding the management of hypertension in DKD to produce a set of comprehensive individualized recommendations for BP control and the use of antihypertensive agents according to age, type of diabetes, and stage of CKD (https://ukkidney.org/sites/renal.org/files/Management-of-hypertension-and-RAAS-blockade-in-adults-with-DKD.pdf). A succinct summary of the guideline, including an infographic, is presented here.
Abstract The approach to the management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes has become increasingly complex with a widening armamentarium of available antihyperglycaemic agents. It is well recognized that several agents have additional benefits (outside of glucose control), for example, on weight management and on cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Recent cardiovascular outcome trial data has had an impact on treatment algorithms. This chapter looks at strategies for deploying the various agents. The initiation of therapy, intensification of therapy, and combination of agents is discussed. The choice of agent in particular circumstances, in cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and hepatic impairment is discussed. Successful management requires a patient-centred approach with careful consideration of the risks and benefits of the treatment options.
Managing type 1 diabetes in frail elderly people can be logistically challenging, particularly for those living alone. District nurse visits are unpredictable and coincide poorly with meal time insulin regimes. Elderly people, particularly those with dementia, have variable oral intake and activity. For some, poor glycaemic control leads to frequent and prolonged inpatient admissions. The use of technology, such as flash glucose monitoring, and the use of analogue insulins can be helpful in this setting. Increased monitoring enables more accurate titration of insulin doses and the information can be accessed by healthcare professionals and carers remotely. Longer lasting analogue insulins allow for a greater margin of error in the timing of insulin administration.
A significant percentage of people with diabetes develop chronic kidney disease and diabetes is also a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The term diabetic kidney disease (DKD) includes both diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (DM CKD). DKD is associated with high morbidity and mortality, which are predominantly related to cardiovascular disease. Hyperglycaemia is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular complications and progression of DKD. Recent clinical trials of people with DKD have demonstrated improvement in clinical outcomes with sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. SGLT-2 inhibitors have significantly reduced progression of DKD and onset of ESKD and these reno-protective effects are independent of glucose lowering. At the time of this update Canagliflozin and Dapagliflozin have been approved for delaying the progression of DKD. The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) and UK Kidney Association (UKKA) Diabetic Kidney Disease Clinical Speciality Group have undertaken a literature review and critical appraisal of the available evidence to inform clinical practice guidelines for management of hyperglycaemia in adults with DKD. This 2021 guidance is for the variety of clinicians who treat people with DKD, including GPs and specialists in diabetes, cardiology and nephrology.
Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are now an established class of medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), no longer reserved for use by specialists in diabetes. They are being used increasingly for their cardiac and renal benefits by primary care, cardiology and renal teams for indications in parallel with diabetes care as part of holistic management. This guidance provides essential information on SGLT therapy, including the main advantages and the important risks of which healthcare professionals should be aware.
At the time of submission of this manuscript, the COVID-19 pandemic had cost nearly 60,000 lives in the UK. This number currently stands at over 120,000 deaths. A high proportion (one third) of these lived with diabetes. The huge acute and emergency medicine effort to support people with COVID-19 has had a major knock-on impact on the delivery of routine clinical care, especially for long-term conditions like diabetes.Challenges to the delivery of diabetes services during this period include a reduction in medical and nursing staff, limitations placed by social distancing on physical clinical space, and balancing virtual vs face-to-face care. There is a need to re-group and re-organise how we deliver routine out-patient adult diabetes services during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We offer some suggestions for how patients can be stratified into red (urgent), amber (priority) and green (routine) follow up with suggestions of how often people should be seen. We also offer recommendation on how we can identify those at highest risk and try and minimise the long- term impact of COVID on diabetes careDuring the COVID pandemic we have seen things happen in days that previously took years. The restart of diabetes services has triggered a more widespread use of virtual consultations and data management systems, but also offers an opportunity for more joined-up and cohesive working between primary and specialist care. While we do our best to keep our patients and colleagues safe, this pandemic is already proving to be a catalyst for change, accelerating the appropriate use of technology in diabetes care and implementing innovative solutions. To achieve this aspiration, further work – currently led by the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists in collaboration with Diabetes UK and the Primary Care Diabetes Society – to make recommendations on future proofing diabetes care in UK is in progress.
Post‐transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is common after solid organ transplantation (SOT) and associated with increased morbidity and mortality for allograft recipients. Despite the significant burden of disease, there is a paucity of literature with regards to detection, prevention and management. Evidence from the general population with diabetes may not be translatable to the unique context of SOT. In light of emerging clinical evidence and novel anti‐diabetic agents, there is an urgent need for updated guidance and recommendations in this high‐risk cohort. The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) and Renal Association (RA) Diabetic Kidney Disease Clinical Speciality Group has undertaken a systematic review and critical appraisal of the available evidence. Areas of focus are; (1) epidemiology, (2) pathogenesis, (3) detection, (4) management, (5) modification of immunosuppression, (6) prevention, and (7) PTDM in the non‐renal setting. Evidence‐graded recommendations are provided for the detection, management and prevention of PTDM, with suggested areas for future research and potential audit standards. The guidelines are endorsed by Diabetes UK, the British Transplantation Society and the Royal College of Physicians of London. The full guidelines are available freely online for the diabetes, renal and transplantation community using the link below. The aim of this review article is to introduce an abridged version of this new clinical guideline ( https://abcd.care/sites/abcd.care/files/site_uploads/Resources/Position‐Papers/ABCD‐RA%20PTDM%20v14.pdf ).
Diabetic MedicineVolume 38, Issue 3 e14462 LETTER A roadmap to recovery: ABCD recommendations on risk stratification of adult patients with diabetes in the post-COVID-19 era Pratik Choudhary, Corresponding Author Pratik Choudhary [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0001-7635-4735 Professor of Diabetes, Leicester Diabetes Centre - Bloom, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK Correspondence Pratik Choudhary, Professor of Diabetes, Leicester Diabetes Centre - Bloom, University of Leicester, Gwendolen Road, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorEmma G. Wilmot, Emma G. Wilmot orcid.org/0000-0002-8698-6207 Consultant Diabetologist, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, Derby, UK Associate Professor, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UKSearch for more papers by this authorKarissa Owen, Karissa Owen GP Clinical Lead for Diabetes, Derby and Derbyshire CCG, Partner, Littlewick Medical Centre, Ilkeston, UKSearch for more papers by this authorDipesh C. Patel, Dipesh C. Patel Consultant Physician, Royal Free NHS FT, Hon Associate Professor University College London, London, UKSearch for more papers by this authorLesley Mills, Lesley Mills Consultant Nurse, Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS FT, Cheshire, UKSearch for more papers by this authorGerry Rayman, Gerry Rayman orcid.org/0000-0003-3331-7015 Diabetes Department, The Ipswich Hospital and Ipswich Diabetes Centre and Research Unit, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester, UKSearch for more papers by this authorPeter Winocour, Peter Winocour orcid.org/0000-0002-1787-7496 QEII Hospital, Welwyn Garden City, UKSearch for more papers by this authorGoher Ayman, Goher Ayman Diabetes UK, London, UKSearch for more papers by this authorRohit Patel, Rohit Patel Diabetes UK, London, UKSearch for more papers by this authorClare Hambling, Clare Hambling orcid.org/0000-0001-5851-6307 GP Clinical Lead for Diabetes, Norfolk and Waveney and LTC Lead West Norfolk CCG, Norwich, UK Chair, Primary Care Diabetes SocietySearch for more papers by this authorDinesh K. Nagi, Dinesh K. Nagi ABCD Chair, Consultant Diabetes and Endocrinology, Pinderfields Hospital Mid Yorks NHS Trust, Wakefield, UKSearch for more papers by this author Pratik Choudhary, Corresponding Author Pratik Choudhary [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0001-7635-4735 Professor of Diabetes, Leicester Diabetes Centre - Bloom, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK Correspondence Pratik Choudhary, Professor of Diabetes, Leicester Diabetes Centre - Bloom, University of Leicester, Gwendolen Road, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorEmma G. Wilmot, Emma G. Wilmot orcid.org/0000-0002-8698-6207 Consultant Diabetologist, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, Derby, UK Associate Professor, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UKSearch for more papers by this authorKarissa Owen, Karissa Owen GP Clinical Lead for Diabetes, Derby and Derbyshire CCG, Partner, Littlewick Medical Centre, Ilkeston, UKSearch for more papers by this authorDipesh C. Patel, Dipesh C. Patel Consultant Physician, Royal Free NHS FT, Hon Associate Professor University College London, London, UKSearch for more papers by this authorLesley Mills, Lesley Mills Consultant Nurse, Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS FT, Cheshire, UKSearch for more papers by this authorGerry Rayman, Gerry Rayman orcid.org/0000-0003-3331-7015 Diabetes Department, The Ipswich Hospital and Ipswich Diabetes Centre and Research Unit, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester, UKSearch for more papers by this authorPeter Winocour, Peter Winocour orcid.org/0000-0002-1787-7496 QEII Hospital, Welwyn Garden City, UKSearch for more papers by this authorGoher Ayman, Goher Ayman Diabetes UK, London, UKSearch for more papers by this authorRohit Patel, Rohit Patel Diabetes UK, London, UKSearch for more papers by this authorClare Hambling, Clare Hambling orcid.org/0000-0001-5851-6307 GP Clinical Lead for Diabetes, Norfolk and Waveney and LTC Lead West Norfolk CCG, Norwich, UK Chair, Primary Care Diabetes SocietySearch for more papers by this authorDinesh K. Nagi, Dinesh K. Nagi ABCD Chair, Consultant Diabetes and Endocrinology, Pinderfields Hospital Mid Yorks NHS Trust, Wakefield, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: 23 November 2020 https://doi.org/10.1111/dme.14462Citations: 7Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. REFERENCES 1Barron E, Bakhai C, Kar P, et al. Associations of type 1 and type 2 diabetes with COVID-19-related mortality in England: a whole-population study. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2020; 8: 813-822. 10.1016/S2213-8587(20)30272-2 CASPubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar 2Taher N, Huda MS, Chowdhury TA. COVID-19 and diabetes: what have we learned so far? Clin Med. 2020; 20: e87-e90. 10.7861/clinmed.2020-0261 PubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar 3Ahn DT. The COVID-19 pandemic: a "tech"-tonic shift toward virtual diabetes care. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2020;1932296820929719. 10.1177/1932296820929719 PubMedGoogle Scholar 4Gold AE, MacLeod KM, Frier BM. Frequency of severe hypoglycemia in patients with type I diabetes with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. Diabetes Care. 1994; 17: 697-703. 10.2337/diacare.17.7.697 CASPubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar 5Ranscombe P. How diabetes management is adapting amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2020; 8: 571. 10.1016/S2213-8587(20)30181-9 CASPubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar 6Rodriguez KM. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting patient engagement in diabetes self-management: perspectives of a certified diabetes educator. Clin Ther. 2013; 35: 170-178. 10.1016/j.clinthera.2013.01.002 PubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar 7Battelino T, Danne T, Bergenstal RM, et al. Clinical targets for continuous glucose monitoring data interpretation: recommendations from the international consensus on time in range. Diabetes Care. 2019; 42: 1593-1603. 10.2337/dci19-0028 PubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar Citing Literature Volume38, Issue3March 2021e14462 ReferencesRelatedInformation
The glucose intolerance of diabetes aggravates atherosclerosis indirectly through its effect on lipids and endothelial function. The cardiovascular (CV) impact of this metabolic disturbance is seen in the worsening of atherosclerotic vascular disease predominantly manifest as progression of coronary and cerebrovascular disease. The microvascular changes induced by prolonged glucose intolerance lead to ultrastructural changes in the glomerular basement membrane and renal mesangium which alters intrarenal haemodynamics, which may become evident initially as proteinuria and later lead to a decline in glomerular filtration rate. As the kidney plays a central role in blood pressure control, these changes have far-reaching CV consequences in patients with diabetes.Despite this, glucose lowering has been shown to have only a modest impact on CV outcomes in diabetes. The new antidiabetic medications have been studied in clinical trials designed to assure safety as grounded in the FDA guidance of 2008. Whilst a direct comparison of results from these trials is not possible in view of heterogeneity in trial design, the individual CV outcome measures have broadly re-defined their role in terms of equivalence (non-inferiority) and/or benefit (superiority). The composite endpoint of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke (major adverse cardiovascular events, MACE) may be perceived as surrogate markers for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This has been universally accepted as the primary endpoint in these cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) and has been helpful in understanding the possible CV impact these drugs may have on patients with diabetes.The dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-IV) inhibitors (sitagliptin, alogliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin), two sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (dapagliflozin and ertugliflozin) and two glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) drugs (lixisenatide and extended-release exenatide) have demonstrated non-inferiority on MACE outcomes with comparators – that is, they have assured CV safety when used in conjunction with other glucose-lowering treatment to improve glycaemic control. Four GLP-1 agonists (liraglutide, albiglutide, semaglutide and dula- glutide) and two SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin and canagliflozin) have demonstrated CV benefit on MACE outcomes; such demonstration of superiority may be seen as evidence for benefit. The SGLT2 inhibitors canagliflozin, empagliflozin, dapagliflozin and ertugliflozin have all demonstrated a significant benefit in reducing the risk of hospitalisation due to heart failure (HHF) as a secondary/ exploratory outcome measure in their CVOTs. Further confirmation of benefit in heart failure independent of the presence of glucose intolerance has been demonstrated with dapagliflozin and empagliflozin in heart failure patients with or without diabetes. However, a comparable benefit in heart failure has not so far been seen in studies with the DPP-IV inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists. Albiglutide is not available in the UK and may have little relevance to the practising clinician other than through the information it contributes about the possible mechanisms of action of GLP-1 RA medications.
Aim: Diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (CKD) commonly co-occur. Control of glycaemia is nuanced, and should be individualised. The Diabetes Renal Telehealth Project identified 2,356 adults with diabetes and CKD, and evaluated determinants and patterns of HbA1c in order to identify under-treatment or potential over-treatment of glycaemia.Method: Comprehensive review of GP diabetes registers by the clinical investigators.Results: The study subjects (52% male, 48% female) were aged 77 years (range 19–103) with median estimated glomerular filtration rate 52 (range 3–171) mL/min and median albumin to creatinine ratio 34 (range <0.05–1428) mg/mmol. 81% were solely managed in primary care. Median HbA1c was 57 (range 10–148) mmol/mol (7.4% (3.1–15.7%)) and at the 58 mmol/mol target in 64%. Anaemia was present in 31%. 22% were solely on dietary management, 29% on insulin therapy (6 in 10 of whom were also on additional agents) and 19% were on sulfonylurea (8 in 10 of whom were on additional agents excluding insulin). Patterns of HbA1c over 2 years were stable for 44%, variable in 19%, rising in 12% and improved in 8%. The 13% initially considered at increased hypoglycaemic risk based on HbA1c measures alone had worse renal function and were more frequently anaemic (both p<0.0005), and 83% were treated with insulin and/or sulfonylureas. Hypoglycaemia hospital admissions were low with 10 people admitted over the study period. There was a reduction in age with increasing quintiles of HbA1c, and those with HbA1c >75 mmol/mol (9.0%) were youngest (mean age 68 years, p<0.001).Conclusions: The majority of people with diabetes and CKD are elderly and managed in primary care, with anaemia in 31%, potentially affecting HbA1c interpretation. Iatrogenic hypoglycaemic risk was identified in 10%, with suboptimal glycaemic control (HbA1c >9% (75 mmol/mol)) through under-treatment in 9%. This study uncovered unmet clinical need, requiring both escalation and de-escalation of glycaemic therapies.
Introduction: Canagliflozin was initially approved for use in the UK in March 2013. Randomised control trial evidence has demonstrated multiple beneficial effects. Many of these are present at initial follow-up and within 26 weeks of randomised control trial data. Our aim was to assess whether the beneficial effects of canagliflozin on multiple clinical and biochemical parameters occurred prior to first follow-up and, if so, whether these continued to improve or simply persisted at second follow-up.Methods: Data were extracted from the ABCD nationwide canagliflozin audit to include a minimum dataset of a baseline value and one (or two) follow-ups for each value.Results: A total of 1,214 patient datasets were identified and used in the analysis: mean±SD age 60.1±10.6 years; median duration of diabetes 8 (IQR 2.4–12.6 years); baseline HbA1c 75.1±17.4 mmol/mol (9.0±1.59%) and weight 97.8±22.0 kg. 68.3% of the patients were Caucasian where this was known (n=183). At first follow-up (median 0.7 years) from baseline: change in HbA1c −9.3 mmol/mol (95% CI −8.2 to −10.4; p<0.0001), weight −2.3 kg (95% CI −1.9 to −2.5; p<0.0001); BMI −0.7 kg/m2 (95% CI −0.6 to −0.8; p<0.0001); alanine aminotransferase −2 U/L (95% CI −1.3 to −2.7; p<0.0001); eGFR −0.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI −0.4 to −1.4; p<0.001); systolic blood pressure (BP) −2.6 mmHg (95% CI −1.6 to −3.5; p<0.0001) and diastolic BP −0.9 mmHg (95% CI −0.2 to −1.6; p<0.001). Significant differences persisted comparing second follow-up (median 1.2 years) to baseline, but no further significant changes were noted between first follow-up and second follow-up other than in weight and BMI with further change in weight −0.65 kg (95% CI −0.2 to −1.1; p=0.047).Conclusion: The improvements following canagliflozin in this real-world cohort seem to occur within the first 0.7 years of treatment, which is similar to randomised controlled trial data. These improvements seem to be maintained over the next 6 months, with significant further weight loss occurring between 0.7 years and 1.2 years, although the mechanism of this is unclear and might be due to confounders. More evidence on this point is needed.
Diabetes and kidney disease commonly coexist and management is complex given frequent additional comorbidity. The East and North Herts Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (ENHIDE) renal diabetes telehealth project examined the feasibility of data extraction from primary care records for virtual consultant review as a prelude to a telehealth case-based discussion with primary care teams. Data extraction identified 2,356 cases from 16 general practices, of which 14 took part in a skype telehealth case-based discussion session. The service was well received by primary care as a workable means of delivering patient care. In addition, significant unmet clinical needs were identified with opportunities to empower patient self-management of acute metabolic and foot issues, and better coordination of care between specialist diabetes and renal teams. The increasing clinical burden in all care settings and the commitment in the NHS plan for wider use of digital healthcare and streamlining of outpatient care highlight the need for service reconfiguration.