The role of basal insulins in the treatment of people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A narrative review

Abstract

The majority of cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide are driven by the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), resulting in an increase in CKD rates over the past few decades. The existence of CKD alongside diabetes is associated with increased burden of cardiovascular disease and increased risk of death. Optimal glycaemic control is essential to prevent progression of CKD, but achieving glycaemic targets in people with CKD and diabetes can be challenging because of increased risk of hypoglycaemia and limitations on glucose-lowering therapeutic options. This review considers the challenges in management of T2D in people with impaired kidney function and assesses evidence for use of basal insulin analogues in people with CKD.