Diabetic Nephropathy: A Comprehensive Review for Health Care Professionals

Abstract

The prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) continues to escalate at an alarming rate and diabetes has become the most common single cause of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in the world. This is because diabetes, particularly type 2, is increasing in prevalence, and the patients are living longer now. Diabetes is the major cause of end-stage renal disease in the developed world, accounting for 40% to 50% of cases. Diabetic nephropathy contributes significantly to the economic burden of diabetes. In UK, the cost of diabetic complications in 2011/2012 was estimated at £14 billion, by 2035/2036 this is expected to rise to £22 billion. Worldwide, healthcare costs for diabetic patients are much higher than non- diabetic patients. Also, among diabetic patients the cost of health care is much higher in those with complications (Micro < Macro<Micro + Macrovascular complications) than in those without complications, therefore identifying and controlling diabetes and its complications is essential in reducing the burden of the disease. In this review we shall explore the pathophysiology, risk factors, staging, screening, management and prognosis of Diabetic Nephropathy in explicit details to make it easily understandable for the Health Care Professionals. Keywords: Diabetic Nephropathy, Diabetes, Health Care Professionals