Consensus Guidance for the Diagnosis and Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease: Executive Summary

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is becoming an increasingly common consequence of diabetes in India, where the number of affected individuals is rising at an alarming pace. The illness is often silent in its early stages, and many patients are diagnosed only when kidney damage is advanced, leading to high rates of kidney failure and cardiovascular complications. This consensus document was developed by a broad group of experts to provide practical, evidence-based recommendations tailored for Indian healthcare settings. It stresses the importance of timely screening using the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate, along with routine evaluation of cardiovascular risks. The guidance covers key management areas such as blood pressure and glycemic control, the use of renin-angiotensin system blockers, newer agents such as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2) inhibitors and finerenone, as well as lifestyle and dietary measures. Equal attention is given to affordability, patient education, and integrating care into national health programs. By adapting international standards to local realities, this document aims to improve early detection, reduce inequalities in treatment, and support better long-term outcomes for people living with DKD in India.