The Interplay Between Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Kidney Disease

The Global Burden of Disease Study estimates that there are currently 476 million patients with diabetes worldwide, the large majority of whom suffer from type 2 diabetes. The metabolic system is closely interrelated with the cardiac and renal systems, and these three systems share a symbiotic relationship that helps maintain homeostasis. The heart is one of the most metabolically demanding organs and is sensitive to changes in energy and volume status. Thus, it relies on the liver, pancreas, and fat for optimal energy metabolism and on the kidneys for volume maintenance. Similarly, the kidneys rely on the heart for adequate perfusion and on the metabolic system for the appropriate hormonal milieu, both of which are necessary to maintain their function.