Efforts to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment of cardiorenal and metabolic diseases—such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, diabetes, and heart failure—require a shift toward earlier, more intensive intervention. Despite the availability of effective therapies, only a small percentage of Americans meet clinical targets for risk management, and cardiometabolic health has worsened overall. A volunteer task force of experts has created recommendations that address this gap, emphasizing primary and secondary prevention through early screening, timely diagnosis, and combination treatment.

The guidelines promote a proactive approach, urging clinicians to initiate treatment promptly and avoid sequential, low-dose regimens that delay goal attainment and worsen outcomes. Weight loss, physical activity, dietary modifications, and modern pharmacologic strategies—including GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, and statins—are central to this strategy. This early, intensive approach targets the entire continuum from obesity to type 2 diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure, aiming to reduce complications, improve quality of life, and extend lifespan. Furthermore, the use of advanced diagnostics and patient-monitoring technologies can improve adherence and outcomes. The recommendations underscore the urgent need for coordinated, guideline-driven action to reverse the rising burden of cardiometabolic disease.

Reference: Handelsman Y, Butler J, Bakris GL, et al. Early intervention and intensive management of patients with diabetes, cardiorenal, and metabolic diseases. J Diabetes Complications. 2023;37(2):108389. doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2022.108389.