Diabetes care shifts toward integrated heart and kidney risk management

Medical experts and health organizations are emphasizing a shift in diabetes care from simple blood sugar control to integrated management of cardiorenal (heart and kidney) risks. In Taiwan, the Diabetes Care Foundation, supported by Bayer, has launched the ‘ALL IN for Better Living Beyond Sugar’ initiative to promote early identification of high-risk groups and address the interconnected risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease.

In Japan, clinical data shows that while diabetes can impact life expectancy through complications like cancer, infections, and vascular diseases, the gap in mortality age between diabetic and non-diabetic individuals is narrowing due to advancements in treatment and monitoring. Research indicates that for Japanese patients, the primary causes of death include malignancy, followed by infections and vascular disorders.

Effective management strategies highlighted include lifestyle interventions such as weight control, aerobic exercise, and smoking cessation, alongside clinical monitoring of indicators like glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) to detect early kidney damage. Early, consistent glucose control is noted for its ‘legacy effect,’ which can provide long-term protection against vascular complications.