FOR PATIENTS

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide.

Why is this project important?

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide.

However, not everyone with diabetes develops kidney problems. And among those who do, the disease does not progress in the same way. In some people it worsens quickly, while in others it progresses more slowly. This shows that every patient is different. That is why we need treatments that are better tailored to each person.

What is the main goal of the PERSONALISE-DKD project?

The main goal is to better understand how diabetic kidney disease develops and progresses, and to learn which patients benefit most from certain treatments.

In particular, the project focuses on a group of medicines already used to protect the kidneys (called SGLT2 inhibitors) to understand:

  • How they protect the kidneys.
  • Why they work better for some people than for others.
  • How to identify early on which patients are most likely to benefit from them.

What benefits could this project bring to people living with diabetic kidney disease (DKD)?

This research could help to:

  • Detect kidney changes at an earlier stage.
  • Identify which treatment may work best for each individual.
  • Avoid unnecessary treatments.
  • Slow down the progression of kidney disease more effectively.
  • Improve quality of life for people living with diabetes and kidney disease.

In short, the project aims to support more precise and effective care.

Why do we call this “personalised” medicine?

Because not everyone responds to treatment in the same way.

Personalised medicine means adapting treatment to each person’s individual characteristics, instead of using the same approach for everyone.

To achieve this, researchers are studying:

  • Detailed kidney images using advanced MRI scans.
  • Certain substances in the blood that may show how the disease is progressing and how well treatment is working.

In the future, this information could help healthcare professionals make more informed and personalised treatment decisions.

What exactly are researchers studying?

The project brings together experts from different countries and specialties to:

  • Understand how current treatments protect the kidneys.
  • Study early changes inside the kidneys using imaging techniques.
  • Identify blood markers that may help predict how the disease will progress.
  • Develop tools to help doctors better monitor kidney disease and anticipate treatment response.
  • Ensure that ethical and social aspects are considered, with active involvement of patients and the public.

How can patients get involved?

There are different ways to contribute:

  • Participating in the study as a research subject.
  • Filling the questionnaire about personalised medicine.
  • Sharing personal experiences as a patient.
  • Joining patient engagement and advisory activities.

The voice of people living with diabetes and kidney disease is essential to ensure that research truly reflects patients’ needs.

Why is patient involvement so important?

Because research is not only done for patients, it should also be done with patients.

Patient involvement helps to:

  • Improve how studies are designed.
  • Focus on what truly matters in daily life.
  • Ensure that new advances have a real impact on quality of life.