Diabetic kidney disease

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Patients with diabetic nephropathy have a high burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Therefore, interventions that reduce the incidence and progression rate of DN will reduce morbidity and mortality rates as well as health care costs. Hyperglycemia and arterial hypertension are the two main risk factors for DN, but even in the presence of hyperglycemia and elevated blood pressure (BP) for long periods, DN develops only in susceptible patients. Family studies have confirmed the presence of hereditary factors in the development of DN. Besides these four key factors, others have also been implicated, although their impact is less relevant. A systematic approach aiming at prompt diagnosis and intervention can reduce the incidence of DN and slow progression toward ESRD © 2010 Springer-Verlag Milan.