A year in diabetic nephropathy

Abstract

Whilst 2020 was a year of unique healthcare challenges, in people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease (DKD), it was a year of seminal progress. Randomised clinical trials have shown a significant benefit of sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors in patients with DKD, and guidelines now suggest these drugs should be considered in all patients with type 2 diabetes and DKD irrespective of glucose control. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have shown some benefit in reducing progression of albuminuria in DKD, and should also be considered early in the therapeutic pathway. There are new guidelines on the management of post-transplant diabetes, and some new ideas in the management of diabetes in patients on haemodialysis. This article aims to review the year in diabetic nephropathy.