Obesity and diabetic kidney disease.

Obesity and diabetes are major causes of CKD and ESRD, and are thus enormous health concerns worldwide. Both obesity and diabetes, along with other elements of the metabolic syndrome including hypertension, are highly interrelated and contribute to the development and progression of renal disease. Studies show that multiple factors act in concert to initially cause renal vasodilation, glomerular hyperfiltration, and albuminuria, leading to the development of glomerulopathy. The coexistence of hypertension contributes to the disease progression, which, if not treated, may lead to ESRD. Although early intervention and management of body weight, hyperglycemia, and hypertension are imperative, novel therapeutic approaches are also necessary to reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with both obesity-related and diabetes-related renal disease.