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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
For patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, maintaining both A1c and systolic blood pressure within target ranges simultaneously offers greater kidney protection than controlling either measure alone. A post hoc analysis of the ACCORD trial found that patients who kept both metrics in range over 80% of the time had a 29% lower risk of adverse kidney outcomes. Experts say longitudinal trends matter more than single-point measurements.
For patients juggling type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension, hitting two targets at once pays off big. A new post hoc analysis of the landmark ACCORD trial found that maintaining both A1c and systolic blood pressure (SBP) within their respective target ranges simultaneously was associated with significantly better kidney outcomes than controlling either measure alone — suggesting a true synergistic benefit.
The study, published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, analyzed data from 6,542 participants with T2D and cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers tracked how much time patients spent with A1c and SBP within target ranges over the first 12 months and linked that to downstream kidney outcomes including albuminuria, eGFR decline, and kidney failure.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Most clinicians focus on the latest lab value — but this research reinforces that long-term stability of both blood sugar and blood pressure is what truly moves the needle on kidney health. Tracking trends over time, not just snapshots, could reshape how providers counsel and monitor high-risk diabetic patients.
