Chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease: risks and commonalities.

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide. CKD and diabetes are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease and all three conditions are key components of the multiple morbidities increasingly evident as population age in the developed world. Shared risk factors, both traditional and nontraditional, contribute to these associations, and are important targets for public health and both primary and secondary care. Prevention and early detection in combination with a holistic approach to vascular care will be key to improving outcomes and reducing costs. Routine reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rate to aid early identification, risk stratification through quantitative proteinuria testing, appropriate use of renin-angiotensin system antagonists and optimal blood pressure control are important strategies to improve the care of people with or at risk of CKD.