Diabetic nephropathy.

As the epidemic of diabetes spreads so does the number of patients at risk for developing diabetic nephropathy, which occurs in 20% to 40% of all diabetic patients. Indeed, diabetes is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States, accounting for > 40% of patients starting renal replacement therapy each year. Unfortunately, the outcome for diabetic patients with ESRD is worse than that for nondiabetic patients because of comorbid conditions in the diabetic population. However, with early and intensive blood glucose and blood pressure control--including the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers--the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease can be slowed.