Glomerular filtration rate and risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients with diabetes

Diabetes adversely affects the kidneys and the heart. However, few studies have addressed the cardiac functions of patients with diabetic kidney disease. The FRS survey is an assessment tool designed to investigate the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD-10) and is considered necessary for the preventive education of potentially high-risk diabetic patients. This cross-sectional descriptive study analyzed the data of the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2020-2021), and included 1,887 adults (949 males and 938 females) aged ≥19 years with diabetes. General characteristics and factors influencing cardiovascular diseases were analyzed, and renal function was assessed based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The analysis showed that age, sex, smoking, final systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and eGFR influenced CVD-10. In addition, regression analysis revealed eGFR levels had a significant effect in the high FRS risk group (OR:0.957, CI: 0.925-0.991). These findings could be used to develop a lifestyle health guideline and education program aimed at reducing the prevalence of renal disease in patients with diabetes and preventing cardiovascular diseases.