Renal resources
You will find here links to evidence-based resources which support this area of practice. You may also want to refer to information about the national service frameworks and strategies across the UK.
Some of the resources listed below are in PDF format - see how to access PDF files.
Guidelines and guidance
Department of Health (2001) National Service Framework Diabetes: Detection and management of long term complications
From the first part of the National Service Framework (NSF) for diabetes, this looks at minimising the impact of the long-term complications of diabetes by early detection and effective treatment and by maximising the quality of life of those who develop long term complications. The NSF for Renal Services was launched in 2004 with the aim to raise the quality of care provided for people with kidney disease.
Department of Health (2004) National Service Framework for Renal Services: Part One - Dialysis and transplantation
This document is part one of the National Service Framework for renal services. The National Service Framework sets five standards and identifies 30 markers of good practice.
Department of Health (2005) National Service Framework for Renal Services - Part Two: Chronic kidney disease, acute renal failure and end of life care
Part two of the National Service Framework for renal services sets four quality requirements and identifies 23 markers of good practice that can support NHS organisations in the prevention of chronic kidney disease in people at risk.
Department of Health (2004) Renal services information strategy
The information strategy sets out national and related local actions developed to support part one of the National Service Framework for Renal Services which addresses kidney transplantation and dialysis for people with established renal failure.
Department of Health: Renal
Brings together documents and guidance designed for professionals working in the prevention and treatment of kidney disorders.
Guidelines and Audit Implementation Network (GAIN) (2010) Northern Ireland guidelines for management of chronic kidney disease (PDF 1.42MB)
These guidelines were developed by GAIN and the Northern Ireland Nephrology Forum. They update the previous 2006 CREST Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults. The changes reflect current NICE guidance and include advice on assessment of chronic kidney disease, appropriate referral of patients with declining kidney function for specialist help and the use of quantitative measures of proteinuria.
NICE (2008) Type 2 diabetes. The management of type 2 diabetes
This guideline replaced 'Type 2 diabetes – renal disease'. The guideline covers many aspects of diabetes management including major complications such as renal disease.
NICE (2008) Chronic Kidney Disease
This guideline covers early identification and management of chronic kidney disease in adults in primary and secondary care.
NICE Pathways (2011) Chronic kidney disease quality standard
This quality standard includes a section on 'Chronic kidney disease: identification and testing in people with diabetes'. View the pathway.
SIGN (2008) Diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease
This guideline makes recommendations on best practice in the recognition and management of chronic kidney disease in adults aged 18 years and above.
SIGN (2010) Management of diabetes
This guideline provides recommendations based on current evidence for best practice in the management of diabetes. It includes a section on the management of kidney disease in diabetes.
Systematic reviews and evidence summaries
Bandolier: ACE inhibitors for renal disease and diabetes
This review shows the useful clinical effects of ACE inhibitors on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in chronic renal disease and diabetes.
Cochrane Review: Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists for preventing the progression of diabetic kidney disease
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (AIIRA) are considered to be equally effective for patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but renal and not mortality outcomes have usually been considered. This review evaluates the benefits and harms ACEi and AIIRA in patients with DKD.
Cochrane review: Protein restriction for diabetic renal disease
Diabetic renal disease (diabetic nephropathy) is a leading cause of end-stage renal failure. Once the process has started, it cannot be reversed by glycaemic control, but progression might be slowed by control of blood pressure and protein restriction. This review assesses the effects of dietary protein restriction on the progression of diabetic nephropathy in patients with diabetes.
Cochrane Review: Antihypertensive agents for preventing diabetic kidney disease
This review aimed to evaluate the comparative effects of antihypertensive agents in patients with diabetes and normoalbuminuria.
Other resources
Diabetes UK: Kidneys (nephropathy)
This webpage discusses nephropathy, risk factors and treatments.
International Diabetes Federation: Fact sheet - Diabetes and kidney disease
This fact sheet discusses diabetes and kidney disease, its prevention and treatment.
National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Kidney disease of diabetes
This web page provides information and resources on diabetes and kidney disease.
Nephrology Nursing Community
An RCN nursing community which provides links to news, events, featured articles and a community discussion area.
Nephronline
A website for health care professionals involved in the management of patients with kidney disease. Nephronline's vision for the website is to aid communication, provide an educational resource, and facilitate dissemination of information.
Patient UK: Diabetic Kidney Disease
This web page provides information on diabetic kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy. View: diabetic nephropathy
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