In a nutshell
This review looked at levels of lipoprotein A (LpA), in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). It found that people with higher levels LpA in their blood were more likely to have kidney disease.
Some background
For people living with T2D, an important consideration is managing long-term health and preventing complications. T2D involves high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Over time, high blood glucose can damage delicate blood vessels and tissues, including the kidneys. Diabetic kidney disease is a leading cause of kidney failure.
Knowing whether someone is at risk for kidney disease can help them and their doctor to select a treatment plan. Certain factors can increase the risk of kidney disease for people with T2D. These include high blood pressure, high blood glucose, and having diabetes for a longer period of time. However, doctors do not fully understand which patients will develop kidney disease.
Some researchers have suggested that LpA may be a factor in diabetic kidney disease. LpA floats through the blood, and it can carry cholesterol and other oily molecules. It is similar to low-density lipoprotein, sometimes referred to as “bad cholesterol.” High levels of LpA in the blood increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, it is not clear whether LpA increases kidney disease for people with diabetes.
Methods & findings
This analysis combined data from 11 studies with 9304 patients with T2D. The studies were conducted in multiple countries in Asia and Europe, as well as the United States. These studies collected information and blood samples from patients, and then monitored their health including kidney function. The patients were followed for between 2 and 11 years.
Patients with the highest LpA levels had 63% higher odds of developing kidney disease. Each 1mg increase in LpA levels led to a 13% higher risk of developing kidney disease.
The bottom line
This review found that LpA levels may be related to kidney disease for people with T2D.
The fine print
More research is needed to understand how LpA is connected to kidney disease. LpA may contribute to kidney damage. Alternately, healthy kidneys may play a role in lowering LpA values.
What’s next?
Ask your doctor about your levels of LpA and other blood lipids, and whether this affects your diabetes treatment.
Published By :
Frontiers in Endocrinology
Date :
Apr 13, 2021
