Diabetic kidney disease in elderly individuals.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) complicates diabetes and also has an increased prevalence in elderly individuals. Particularly in those older than 60 years, the most common cause of CKD and end-stage renal disease in the United States is diabetic kidney disease. This growing population represents unique challenges in multidisciplinary medical management. Elderly diabetic patients with CKD may be underserved with regard to fundamental standards of care like the role of glucose control, hypertension management, and the use of renin-angiotensin blocking agents. Current management therefore needs to be reassessed in terms of the special needs of this growing population. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.