For adults with chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes (CKD in T2D)

K is for
Kidneys

What is chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes (CKD in T2D)?

Icon of kidneys

Chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes (CKD in T2D) is a progressive disease that affects the kidneys of adults with type 2 diabetes. CKD involves damage to the kidneys which can result in a gradual loss of kidney function over time. This damage can be permanent and may result in kidney failure. If the kidneys fail, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be required. Often, CKD doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms until the later stages, so it’s possible to have CKD and not know it.

How type 2 diabetes can lead to chronic kidney disease

People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at high risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). In fact, about 1 in 3 people with T2D go on to develop CKD. That’s because type 2 diabetes can cause inflammation and scarring that can damage the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Over time, damage to the kidneys makes it harder for them to do their job of cleaning and filtering the blood.

As a result of this damage, small proteins, which are normally filtered out by healthy kidneys, begin leaking into the urine. This is why some doctors may refer to protein in the urine as having “leaky kidneys.” Protein in the urine is detected by a urine test and can be one of the earliest signs of CKD.

If you have type 2 diabetes, make sure to start a conversation with your doctor about your kidneys. Even people with well-controlled blood sugar could still go on to develop CKD. Because the damage caused by CKD is irreversible, it’s important to make a plan with your doctor as soon as you know you have CKD.

Cardiovascular risk in CKD

People with CKD in T2D have an increased risk for cardiovascular complications like heart attack.

Learn More About Your Risk

Your kidney numbers: UACR and eGFR tests

CKD in T2D can be diagnosed and tracked using two tests:

Icon of urine specimen cup

The UACR (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) urine test detects the presence of protein in the urine. This is one of the earliest indicators of CKD.

Icon of a drop of blood indicating blood test

The eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) blood test measures how well your kidneys are functioning.

Together, these tests can be used to determine your risk for CKD progression.

The Stages of CKD

After CKD is diagnosed, UACR and eGFR results can help doctors determine how far your CKD has progressed. Use the chart below to help understand the stages of CKD and how your kidney numbers relate to your kidney function.

5 stages of chronic kidney disease

CKD is defined as having an eGFR less than 60 or a UACR equal to or greater than 30 for more than 3 months.

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CKD in T2D treatment and why it matters

Because the damage caused by CKD is irreversible, it’s important to talk with your doctor. There may be more you can do to help slow the progression of CKD.

KERENDIA Can Help

KERENDIA is a prescription treatment option that can help slow the progression of CKD and lower the risk of cardiovascular complications like heart attack, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with CKD in T2D.

Learn About KERENDIA

Doctor Discussion Guide

Get help starting a conversation with your doctor about whether treatment with KERENDIA may be right for you.

View the Discussion Guide

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Whether you’re just getting started with KERENDIA and are looking for support, or you need more information to decide if KERENDIA is right for you, our helpful emails will have you covered.

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What is KERENDIA?

KERENDIA is a prescription medicine used to treat chronic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of:

  • Worsening of kidney disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Death due to cardiovascular disease
  • Heart attack
  • Hospitalization for heart failure

Important Safety Information

Do not take KERENDIA if you:
  • Have problems with your adrenal glands
  • Take certain medications called CYP3A4 inhibitors. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you are taking any of these medications
Before you take KERENDIA, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:
  • Have high potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia) or take medications that may increase potassium levels in your blood. KERENDIA can cause hyperkalemia. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels before and during treatment with KERENDIA
  • Have severe liver problems
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Avoid breastfeeding during treatment with KERENDIA and 1 day after treatment
Tell your healthcare provider about all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take, including: salt substitutes, vitamins, and herbal or potassium supplements.
  • KERENDIA may affect the way other medications work, and other medications may affect how KERENDIA works. Do not start or stop any medicine before you talk with your healthcare provider. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it may increase KERENDIA levels in the blood
The most common side effects of KERENDIA include:
  • Hyperkalemia (potassium level in your blood that is higher than normal)
  • Hypotension (blood pressure that is lower than normal)
  • Hyponatremia (sodium level in your blood that is lower than normal)

Please see the Prescribing Information for KERENDIA.

Important Safety Information

Do not take KERENDIA if you:
  • Have problems with your adrenal glands
  • Take certain medications called CYP3A4 inhibitors. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you are taking any of these medications
Before you take KERENDIA, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:
  • Have high potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia) or take medications that may increase potassium levels in your blood. KERENDIA can cause hyperkalemia. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels before and during treatment with KERENDIA
  • Have severe liver problems
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Avoid breastfeeding during treatment with KERENDIA and 1 day after treatment
Tell your healthcare provider about all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take, including: salt substitutes, vitamins, and herbal or potassium supplements.
  • KERENDIA may affect the way other medications work, and other medications may affect how KERENDIA works. Do not start or stop any medicine before you talk with your healthcare provider. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it may increase KERENDIA levels in the blood
The most common side effects of KERENDIA include:
  • Hyperkalemia (potassium level in your blood that is higher than normal)
  • Hypotension (blood pressure that is lower than normal)
  • Hyponatremia (sodium level in your blood that is lower than normal)

Please see the Prescribing Information for KERENDIA.