The prevalence of diabetes is increasing and has already reached pandemic proportions. Chronic kidney disease is also an important public health problem, with an estimated global prevalence of between 8 and 16% [1]. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease in the developed world, 40% of patients with diabetes have chronic kidney disease, including end-stage renal disease [2]. Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of mortality while kidney disease is also strongly associated with an increased risk of mortality [3].
