Screening natriuretic peptide levels in 116,466 diabetes patients without known heart failure predicted future heart failure and death.
116,466 patientsLarge cohort showing natriuretic peptide screening predicts heart failure in diabetes without known HF
What the researchers found
Elevated natriuretic peptide levels in diabetes patients without known heart failure predicted incident heart failure and death.
Why it matters
Early detection of heart failure in diabetes could trigger disease-modifying therapies (like SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 drugs) before symptoms appear.
The numbers in context
N=116,466 (2,990 T1D; 113,476 T2D); ~40% had elevated NP; NT-proBNP 125-300: HR 2.04 (T1D), 2.25 (T2D); NT-proBNP >300: HR 4.48 (T1D), 3.58 (T2D); up to 7-year follow-up.
How the study worked
Retrospective cohort using Optum Market Clarity data with multivariable Cox proportional hazard models in 116,466 adults.
Who was studied
Adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes without known heart failure (54% female, median age 64)
What this study cannot tell us
Retrospective claims-based study — testing was clinically indicated rather than universal screening. Selection bias possible.
How to read the evidence
Large retrospective cohort with Cox regression — strong association data but screening benefit needs prospective trial confirmation.
When this study was published
Published in 2025 in Diabetes Care, supporting evolving screening recommendations.
The bigger picture
This supports routine natriuretic peptide screening in diabetes as a strategy to catch heart failure early, when interventions are most effective.
Questions still open
- Should all diabetes patients be routinely screened with natriuretic peptides?
- At what peptide threshold should disease-modifying therapy be initiated?
Common questions
What are natriuretic peptides?
Should diabetes patients get heart failure screening?
Read the original research
Screening Natriuretic Peptide Levels Predicts Heart Failure and Death in Individuals With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Without Known Heart Failure.
Diabetes care, 48(12), 2145-2153
Citation
Pop-Busui, Rodica; Repetto, Enrico; Baron, Jason; Schumacher, Dagmar; Vaduganathan, Muthiah; Pandey, Ambarish. (2025). Screening Natriuretic Peptide Levels Predicts Heart Failure and Death in Individuals With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Without Known Heart Failure.. Diabetes care, 48(12), 2145-2153. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc25-1260