Kidney disease is another reason to prevent metabolic syndrome

Summary: the insulin receptor resistance and higher insulin levels of metabolic syndrome are a significant risk factor for kidney disease.We've long known that the kidneys are exquisitely sensitive to damage from higher levels of insulin. A study recently published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology further reveals the contribution metabolic syndrome to chronic kidney disease. Since MetS is on the rise, chronic kidney may too. The authors state:

"Observational studies have reported an association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and microalbuminuria or proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with varying risk estimates. We aimed to systematically review the association between MetS, its components, and development of microalbuminuria or proteinuria and CKD."

The authors undertook an analysis of eleven studies encompassing 30,146 subjects that reported the development of microalbuminuria or proteinuria and/or CKD in subjects with MetS, with attention to eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate, a metric for kidney function). Their data present a clear picture:

"MetS was significantly associated with the development of eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 [impaired kidney function]. The strength of this association seemed to increase as the number of components of MetS increased. In patients with MetS, the odds ratios for development of eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for individual components of MetS were: elevated blood pressure 1.61, elevated triglycerides 1.27, low HDL cholesterol 1.23, abdominal obesity 1.19, and impaired fasting glucose 1.14. Three studies reported an increased risk for development of microalbuminuria or overt proteinuria with MetS."

The 'take home' message for clinicians and patients is don't wait until the onset of type 2 diabetes; bear in mind the authors' conclusion and take decisive action before delicate kidney tissue is irrevocably lost:

"MetS and its components are associated with the development of eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and microalbuminuria or overt proteinuria."