Discussion on the Etiology and Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy based on Chen’s Three-cause Theory

The etiological theory of traditional Chinese medicine began in the Yellow Emperor’s Neijing, was based on the Jinkui Yaolu, and became an important part of the entire theoretical system of Chinese medicine. Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most important chronic microvascular complications of diabetes and a common cause of end-stage renal disease. TCM treatment can reduce proteinuria and delay the progression of kidney disease. Based on the “Three Causes Theory” and related theories of traditional Chinese medicine, this paper expounds the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, and puts forward the diagnosis and treatment idea of “internal repair, external control, and insulated moderation”. The purpose of this paper is to help readers better understand and apply the theory of “Three Causes” and apply it to diabetic nephropathy, and to demonstrate the Chinese medicine ideas contained in the “Three Causes Theory” and its significance to the prevention and treatment of modern diseases.