A Type 2 diabetes diagnosis increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) or heart failure (HF), or dying, by 55% within 10 years, according to analysis of data from more than 1.6 million patients across the US.Within the first five years of a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, the study found that the combined risk of developing CKD or heart failure, or dying, was 33% on average. By year 10, that combined risk rises to 55%.Key FindingsThe study shows within five years of a first diabetes diagnosis, the risk of developing CKD first was more than twice that of developing heart failure first (19.0% vs. 8.3%).However, among people who developed heart failure first, there was a 42% risk of developing CKD within the following five years.Conversely, among those who developed CKD first, there was a 23% risk of developing heart failure within the following five years."Our findings clearly show how the serious complications associated with type 2 diabetes rise sharply over time as the common combination of obesity, abnormal blood fats, high blood pressure and higher blood sugar damages blood vessels and vital organs," said Professor Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow in Scotland, UK.Why The Findings MatterType 2 diabetes is projected to become the world's most prevalent epidemic disease, affecting an estimated 1.3 billion people by 2050.It frequently occurs alongside obesity, high blood pressure, heart failure, CKD and depression, contributing substantially to the global burden of multi-morbidity.The researchers say the findings highlight the importance of early, proactive and holistic management of Type 2 diabetes to help reduce the risk of serious complications."Our results emphasize the critical importance of detecting and treating type 2 diabetes thoroughly at the earliest opportunity to help reduce the risk of serious complications," Sattar added.How Was The Study Conducted?The team included 1,617,508 patients newly diagnosed with diabetes between January 1, 2010, and March 31, 2024, from across the US.The average age of participants at enrollment was 59, and 51% were female. Among the 13% of patients who had a body mass index (BMI) recorded, the median was 30.9 kg/m².Almost three-quarters (72%) of participants were living with dyslipidemia, or high levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood, while more than two-thirds (68%) had high blood pressure.How Are Diabetes, Kidney Disease And Heart Failure Linked?The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that diabetes, CKD and heart disease are interconnected.High blood sugar can gradually damage the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter blood and potentially leading to CKD. When kidney function declines, it can also put additional stress on the heart.Common Risk FactorsRisk factors that can overlap across diabetes, CKD and heart disease include:High blood sugarHigh blood pressureFamily historyObesityUnhealthy dietPhysical inactivityTips To Prevent The CDC recommends lifestyle measures that can help reduce the risk of these conditions and their complications:Get activeChoose healthy foods and drinksQuit smoking