Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus explore the critical connection between heart health, kidney function, and diabetes, known as the Cardiorenal Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome. They are joined by Dr. Jennifer Green, an expert in endocrinology and cardiology from Duke University, to discuss how diabetes impacts multiple organs, the latest advancements in treatment, and what individuals can do to protect their heart and kidneys. They break down why heart and kidney health should not be thought of in isolation, how specialists are now working together more than ever, and the game-changing new medications that benefit both diabetes management and overall organ health. Dr. Green also highlights the importance of patient self-advocacy, ensuring the right tests and treatments are being considered.

Did you know that your heart and your kidneys are like a married couple? In sickness and in health, ‘til death do they part! This is especially true for people with diabetes. People with diabetes – especially type 2 – often have multiple metabolic conditions like hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, and high cholesterol. These factors, in addition to conditions like inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction, form the basic abnormalities in heart and kidney disease. Together, these issues can lead to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome.