Utilization of serum cystatin C for early detection of chronic kidney disease in Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension: A systematic review
In brief
Cystatin C estimates kidney function better than creatinine in early kidney disease
In this review of 21 studies, most found that estimates based on cystatin C were more reliable than creatinine-based estimates, particularly for identifying early kidney dysfunction in people with diabetes or hypertension. The review supports cystatin C as a potential aid to risk assessment, but provides no pooled measure of its accuracy, leaving the size of its added benefit unclear.
- Journal
- Diabetes research and clinical practice (Q1)
- Published
- 9 October 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review of cohort studies
- Evidence level
- Level 2, Moderate (CEBM 2a)
- Authors
- Priyanka Garg, Maria Thomas, Aakshi Jiwan, Somanaboina Padmakar, Palakurthi Yanadaiah
- PMID
- 42854921
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.diabres.2026.113545
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Biochemistry (medical) (paper of the day, 12 October 2026): Serum cystatin C for early CKD detection
Abstract
Chronic Kidney Disease is a global health challenge and its early diagnosis is still a challenge, particularly when relying on conventional biomarkers like serum creatinine. In this systematic review, PRISMA guidelines were followed with a comprehensive search on various databases focusing on studies assessing estimated cystatin C levels, and creatinine levels among patients with chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical assessment tool was used to estimate quality and risk bias of included studies. This systematic review included 21 studies with maximum studies demonstrating cystatin C based eGFR may provide more reliable and accurate estimate of kidney function than creatinine based eGFR, specifically for early identification of kidney dysfunction. The findings suggest that serum cystatin C is an early diagnostic and prognostic marker and its incorporation into routine testing will increase the clinical utility by improving risk stratification. In general, this systematic review highlights the diagnostic and prognostic utility of serum cystatin C for early detection of kidney dysfunction.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.