Renal Function Decline in Latinos With Type 2 Diabetes.

Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy remains a highly prevalent microvascular complication in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hispanic individuals are at increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular complications compared with non-Hispanic white individuals. We described the long-term kidney outcomes using a culturally based approach to diabetes management in Hispanic patients implemented by the Joslin Diabetes Center's Latino Diabetes Initiative.

Methods: Our retrospective study included 594 Hispanic patients evaluated at the Joslin Diabetes Center from July 2002 to July 2015. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the outpatient visits.

Results: Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.18-2.51;  = 0.005), overweight (HR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.13-6.38;  = 0.026), and longstanding T2DM duration (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.08-1.14;  < 0.0001) at baseline were significantly associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although poor glycemic control (HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.099-1.258;  < 0.0001), systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.006-1.02;  = 0.0002), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker use (HR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.03-2.29;  = 0.04) were significantly associated with increased CKD incidence during follow-up. Interestingly, statin use was associated with lower CKD incidence during the follow-up (HR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.42-0.65;  < 0.0001). The annual rate of renal function decline in our cohort was estimated to be -1.39 ml/min per 1.73 m.

Conclusion: Renal function decline in Latinos is associated with expected but modifiable variables, such as uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, and being overweight. However, the annual rate of renal function decline in our cohort was estimated to be comparatively higher than previous reports in Hispanic individuals without T2DM, and the general US population with T2DM, but lower than expected for this high-risk group. We highlight the importance of a culturally based patient-centered therapeutic approach to improve long-term outcomes in Hispanic patients at high risk of CKD.