TouchREVIEWS in Endocrinology · Oct 14, 2026

Disease-modifying approach to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome: The role of combining GLP-1RAs and SGLT-2is

By Borozan S, Fernandez CJ, Kamrul-Hasan A et al.

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome represents a recent paradigm shift from a traditional, fragmented, disease-specific approach to an interconnected, holistic one driven by shared pathophysiologic pathways that are crucial to the development of multisystem organ dysfunction. The escalating global prevalence of CKM syndrome, associated with industrialization, the obesity pandemic and aging demographics, necessitates a fundamental reframing toward the simultaneous and coordinated management of cardiac, renal and metabolic health. Core to this integrated approach is the development of novel therapeutic options, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), which target these common mechanisms and have the potential to improve long-term prognosis and reverse trends in cardiovascular mortality. In this article, we suggest a strategic roadmap for CKM syndrome to prioritize early, interdisciplinary intervention focused on addressing modifiable risk factors, weight management and tailored treatment protocols, particularly for high-risk populations, to mitigate the detrimental impact of this multiorgan condition.

doi.org/10.17925/ee.2026.22.2.5 Open access PubMed 42979540 Interventions