Tracing the footsteps of glomerular insulin signaling in diabetic kidney disease

Abstract

Insufficient insulin secretion and insulin resistance are hallmarks of diabetes. Recent studies indicate that insulin plays an important role in maintaining the glomerular filtration barrier. Mima et al. report that glomeruli of diabetic and obese rats suffer from insulin resistance and altered insulin signaling. Protein kinase C inhibitors are able to overcome insulin resistance, offering new hopes for the treatment of the condition. © 2011 International Society of Nephrology.