Managing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains challenging.

We present the perspectives of three patient authors who are living with T2D and CKD and three consultant clinician authors who give their perspectives on the management of CKD in patients with T2D in the context of the patients’ experiences.

The patients noted that they desired the latest treatment and innovations. They also wanted more readily accessible, easy-to-understand educational materials explaining these medical innovations to be provided to the patient community.

After reviewing the patients’ perspectives, the clinicians noted an opportunity to improve communication between clinicians and their patients at clinic visits; these communication opportunities specifically relate to issues around CKD, such as diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, which are often not directly addressed, and the connection between T2D and CKD, as well as ways to help prevent CKD that are typically not discussed.

Additionally, the clinicians noted the existence of newer therapies/treatment approaches for the management of CKD that can help prevent CKD progression in patients who are diagnosed with CKD, i.e., secondary prevention rather than primary prevention.

Practical approaches are urgently required to improve communications/educational materials and management activities between patients and clinicians that can help address care gaps and improve the quality of care for all patients with CKD and T2D.