Good glycaemic control and normotension are the cornerstones of both prevention and management of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). In order to detect the progression of DKD, ongoing monitoring of albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) should be performed on a regular basis. As the disease progresses and renal function declines, the dose and appropriateness of glucose-lowering medications should be considered, in particular due to the increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Anaemia is an important complication of DKD because it contributes significantly to the heavy symptom burden. This module is designed to help you understand what to consider in the monitoring and follow-up of people with diabetes and those with DKD.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
✓ Explain the process for the ongoing monitoring of kidney function, blood glucose and anaemia in people with diabetic kidney disease, including the limitations of monitoring
✓ Explain how to optimise pharmacological management of hyperglycaemia, particularly as renal function declines and the risk of severe hypoglycaemia increases
✓ Identify novel biomarkers that have the potential to diagnose and stratify risk of CKD in patients with diabetes
This module includes self-marked assessments, such as knowledge checks and/or case studies, as well as a marked final assessment, which you can attempt up to five times. To complete the module, you must review all chapters, pass the final assessment (80% pass mark), and fill in our feedback form.