Preface

The rapidly growing pandemic of obesity is closely associated with other major public health problems of epidemic proportions including diabetes, hypertension, and attendant cardiovascular disease (CVD). While the major cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is diabetes followed by hypertension and accounting for nearly 70% of CKD and end stage renal disease (ESRD); obesity which is a significant risk factor for both diabetes and hypertension appears to be an independent risk factor for CKD as well. With the growing world crisis of obesity and diabetes, CKD continues to soar as another public health concern leading to increased morbidity and mortality among affected populations. Increased mortality in CKD is largely attributed to CVD. In fact CKD is currently considered a coronary artery disease risk equivalent and several manifestations of CVD are evident prior to initiation of dialysis where only 15% of patients would have “normal” left ventricular structure and function.

Given the magnitude of this epidemic of Obesity, Diabetes and CKD and its monumental effects on public health as well as its huge economic burden, together with its complex pathophysiologic mechanisms, we aim to provide the readers of this volume with imminently relevant information on the various aspects of CKD in diabetes. This information will put current knowledge and recent diagnostic and therapeutic strategies at the fingertips of the health care providers, students and researchers as well. We have assembled a group of well-renowned scholars in their fields addressing this highly topical subject with chapters ranging from explanations of the underlying epidemiology to deciphering the interrelated underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of Obesity, diabetes and CKD. We also discuss the implications of these diseases in high risk populations such as ethnic minorities, women, and elderly as well as transplant recipients. Highlighted also are the therapeutic strategies for these high- risk groups. Finally we discuss the major developments and future directions in the field providing the reader with a handy, easy-to-read cutting edge in formation that will help the evaluation and management strategies in diabetic kidney disease as well as its attendant cardiovascular risk.