Protecting the Kidneys: Update on Therapies to Treat Diabetic Nephropathy
Kaylan N. Davis, Abigail Hines, Margaret C. Schaefer, Kristina Naseman
Abstract
This article provides an update on pharmacotherapy for diabetic nephropathy. ACE inhibitor or angiotensin 2 receptor blocker therapy is a standard of care for hypertension management in people with diabetes and albuminuria. Additionally, recent trials have elucidated the roles of additional therapeutic agents, including the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, and the recently approved mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone, in the treatment of chronic kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. This article provides an evidence-based review of therapies that may delay the progression of kidney disease in this population, including discussion of recent outcomes trials.