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Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a primary cause of morbidity and mortality, leading to complications such as blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations. Early detection of kidney damage, indicated by microalbuminuria (MA), is crucial for managing DM. Given the impact of these conditions, evaluating the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in diabetic populations within primary healthcare is essential. Methodology This was a cross-sectional and observational study. Adults diagnosed with DM type 1 or 2, from five primary care units (PCUs) located in the North of Portugal, were included in this study. Descriptive and correlational statistics were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Statistical significance was set to P < 0,05. Logistic regression models were created to identify the factors associated with CKD and DM. Results A sample of 357 diabetic patients was obtained, with 166 (46.5%) females. Of the sample, 250 (70.1%) were aged 65 or older, and the median known duration of DM was 9.36 years. Excess weight or obesity accounted for 79.8%, with a median body mass index of 28.73 kg/m2 and hypertension in 284 (79.6%). An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min was present in 89 (24.9%) and an MA of 30 mg/dL or higher was present in 68 (19.0%). In total, 130 (36.4%) individuals exhibited eGFR and MA consistent with CKD. Among these, 25 (78.1%) had other identifiable causes of CKD besides DM, hypertension, overweight, or obesity. Binary logistic regression models were constructed to find a relationship between CKD with eGFR < 60 mL/min and MA. A statistically significant association was found between CKD with eGFR < 60 mL/minute and age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.150; P < 0.001), kidney stones (OR = 5.112; P = 0.003), absence of excess weight or obesity (OR = 0.267; P < 0.001). The use of GLP1 agonists showed statistical significance as a predictor (OR = 4.653; P = 0.042) of the presence of MA. Discussion The study investigates the impact of DM and its complications in the surveyed population. While most patients had controlled DM (284, 76.2%), prolonged disease duration correlated with poorer glycemic control, underscoring the need for more effective management strategies in advanced disease stages. Notably, a third of individuals with DM had CKD, with significant implications for therapeutic interventions and heightened risks of renal failure and cardiovascular morbidity. MA was a crucial marker for endothelial injury, with prevalence influenced by DM duration and medication type. However, in many cases, correct identification of CKD was lacking, suggesting under-recognition of renal deterioration in DM. While the study offers valuable insights, its limited sample size and geographic scope warrant cautious interpretation, emphasizing the need for broader, context-specific research to inform comprehensive healthcare strategies. Conclusions In conclusion, this study highlights the significant burden of CKD among diabetic patients, emphasizing the need for proactive screening, personalized management, and accurate diagnosis. Despite limitations, it underscores the importance of early detection and tailored interventions, advocating for improved diabetes care to mitigate renal complications on a broader scale.
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BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) often presents a long and uncertain evolution. Treatment decisions in advanced MS are supported by robust evidence, but recent guidelines have suggested a shift to a palliative approach as the disease progresses. This study aims to describe what is known about the integration of palliative care (PC) in patients with severe MS (cost-effectiveness, moment of reference, and perspective of stakeholders). METHODS: A scoping review was developed, and the Scopus, Medline (PubMed), ISI Web of Knowledge, and SAGE databases were consulted, using the key terms: "multiple sclerosis" AND "palliative care". Studies on the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and health professionals regarding the integration of PC in MS were included. No restrictions were applied regarding the subtype of MS, gender, ethnicity, frequency of use of health services, and language. RESULTS: Of 158 articles identified, 19 were included in the review. Key factors were identified, such as the effectiveness of PC intervention in severe MS, the financial impact of providing PC compared to conventional care, the reduction of symptoms and caregiver burden, and the perception of unmet needs by users, health professionals, and caregivers during the PC approach. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MS should have access to specialized PC when they reach the severe phase of the disease. Providing a multidisciplinary team to provide targeted consultations based on the patient's needs may be most appropriate. These issues have important implications for the future planning and provision of PC services.
