Understanding the Link Between Early CKD Diagnosis and Cardiovascular Outcomes

This episode, titled, ‘Understanding the Link Between Early CKD Diagnosis and Cardiovascular Outcomes,’ features panelists discussing the following critical question:

How can early identification of CKD in patients with T2D influence cardiovascular disease outcomes?

Led by the moderator, the experts focus on strengthening the link between early CKD diagnosis and cardiovascular risk by reframing urine albumin–creatinine ratio (uACR) as a systemic endothelial marker rather than a kidney-specific test. They discuss evidence showing that uACR is a powerful, inexpensive predictor of cardiovascular events—often outperforming traditional markers like lipids or hs-CRP—because it reflects widespread vascular and endothelial injury. The conversation highlights decades of epidemiologic data demonstrating that CKD and albuminuria act as multiplicative risk factors for coronary disease, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality, underscoring the urgency of acting on this information now rather than allowing continued delays in practice adoption. Panelists emphasize shared responsibility across specialties to incorporate uACR into risk assessment, engage patients in understanding their cardiovascular implications, and deploy available therapies early to meaningfully reduce downstream risk.

In the next episode, ‘Emphasizing Multidisciplinary Collaboration for Early CKD Diagnosis,’ panelists will continue their discussion on chronic kidney disease and highlight the shift toward a shared "community of responsibility" where all specialties must move past clinical complacency to actively own CKD screening and management. The experts explore overcoming practical barriers—such as workflow challenges and the transition to routine urine-based testing—to ensure high-risk patients no longer fall through the cracks of a siloed healthcare system.