Futurity.org – Control lipoproteins to control diabetes

UC DAVIS (US)— New research is clarifying the role of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins—carriers of fats in the blood—in the initiation and progression of diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of premature death in patients with diabetes and the most common cause of long-term kidney failure in the United States. "The latest evidence indicates that tightly controlling blood levels of lipoproteins is just as critical for patients with diabetes as controlling their blood sugar," says John C. Rutledge, professor of cardiovascular medicine at "Lipid-lowering medications should be an essential part of routine treatment for diabetes and could help reduce the occurrence of kidney failure among diabetics." Details of the research are published in Diabetic nephropathy is closely linked to atherosclerosis, Rutledge explains. While lipid-controlling therapies and lifestyle changes are common recommendations for managing atherosclerosis, diabetes treatment typically focuses on correcting blood sugar abnormalities. "Understanding what leads to diabetic nephropathy and what can be done to slow its progression or prevent it could make a huge impact on reducing the morbidity and mortality of diabetes." The review focuses on the mechanisms by which lipids injure the kidney, especially the glomeruli—tiny capillaries that help filter blood to form urine.