Diabetic nephropathy in the elderly

Abstract

Renal impairment is frequent in aged diabetic patients, notably with type 2 diabetes. It results from a multifactorial pathogeny, particularly the combined actions of hyperglycaemia, arterial hypertension and ageing. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is associated with an increased cardiovascular mortality. DN often leads to end stage renal failure (ESRF) which causes specific problems of decision and practical organization of extra-renal epuration in diabetic and aged patients. In the absence of renal biopsy, clinical signs are often insufficient to assess the diabetic origin of a nephropathy in an elderly diabetic patient. Prevention of DN is principally based on tight glycaemic and blood pressure control. The progression of renal lesions can be retarded by strict blood pressure control, notably by blocking of the renin-angiotensin system, if well tolerated in aged patients. It is absolutely necessary to avoid the worsening of renal lesions by potentially nephrotoxic products, notably non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and iodinated contrast media. At the stage of renal failure, it is important to adapt the antidiabetic treatment, and in the majority of the cases, to switch to insulin when glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is below 30 ml/mn/1.73 m2.