Diabetic nephropathy: worldwide epidemic and effects of current treatment on natural history.

Diabetic nephropathy has become a worldwide epidemic, accounting for approximately one third of all cases of end-stage renal disease. With increasing prevalence of diabetes particularly in Asia, and a global prevalence of microalbuminuria of 39%, the problem is expected to grow. Improved management of diabetes aimed at improved glycemic control, to avoid initiation of diabetic nephropathy, and antihypertensive treatment blocking the renin-angiotensin system, to avoid its progression, need to be implemented, particularly in high-risk patients.