[Nutrition in diabetic nephropathy].

The incidence of end-stage renal failure has increased in Italy from 70-80 to 120 per 1x10(6). About 20-30% of patients with diabetes develop nephropathy, usually within 20-25 yrs after disease onset. Diet plays an essential role in the therapy of diabetic nephropathy. A well planned diabetic diet with intensive glycemic control can significantly reduce the risk of microalbuminuria development, and moderate protein restriction reduces hyperfiltration and intraglomerular pressure, and retards the progression of diabetic glomerulopathy. Various studies have shown a positive effect of diet with a protein intake of approximately 0.8 g/kg(-1)/day(-1) in patients with overt nephropathy, with a further restriction to 0.6 g/kg(-1)/day(-1) when the glomerular filtration rate begins to fall. Extra protein intake should counterbalance massive proteinuric losses.