- Design
- Two-arm randomised controlled trial, single centre
- Population
- 134 adults in China with type 2 diabetes at high predicted risk of diabetic kidney disease
- Primary outcome
- HbA1c, eGFR, UACR, blood pressure, LDL-C and body measures at 24 weeks
- Effect
- Significant improvements in HbA1c, eGFR, systolic pressure and LDL-C vs usual care; no difference in UACR
People with type 2 diabetes identified as high risk for kidney disease were randomised to a 12-week structured self-management programme or usual care.
The programme improved several risk factors and eGFR at 24 weeks but not albuminuria. Effect sizes are not given in the abstract.
It supports pairing drug therapy with structured education, but the trial is too short to show any change in kidney outcomes.
- HbA1c, eGFR, systolic pressure and LDL cholesterol improved compared with usual care.
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio did not change.
- Participants were identified by a validated risk prediction model.
- The programme lasted 12 weeks with 12 weeks of follow-up.
Why it matters
Most kidney protection trials target established disease; this targets the stage before albuminuria appears.
Don't overread it
Albuminuria did not change, and a 24-week single-centre trial cannot show fewer kidney outcomes.
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