Diabetes, cardiovascular risk and nephropathy.

Diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease are at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). All aspects of risk reduction should be rigorously applied to such patients. Statins should be used with reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and blood pressure management is important. Glycemic control remains important for reduction in the development and progression of retinopathy, neuropathy, and even nephropathy itself. Reduction of other risk factors, such as smoking cessation and weight reduction, should also be implemented. Multiple risk factor reduction can have a large effect on reduction of CVD outcomes. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.