Diabetes: The Dialysis Outcomes Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) Results and Innovative Patient Care Programs.

Abstract

Diabetes is now the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the United States and is also growing in numbers worldwide. The cost of caring for people with diabetes and CKD is escalating and is especially highest from the month prior to starting dialysis to 6 months after beginning dialysis. According to the Dialysis Outcomes Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS), a person with kidney failure who also has diabetes is at higher risk for hospitalization, mortality, retinopathy, blindness and lower limb amputation. The dialysis health care team is challenged to develop new methods of caring for people with diabetes and CKD. Innovative programs reviewed in this article show improved clinical outcomes and an increase in patients’ ability to self-manage their disease.