Diabetic kidney disease: act now or pay later

Abstract World Kidney Day 2010 highlights the urgent global threat of diabetic kidney disease. With the prevalence of type 2 diabetes doubling in some regions and global forecasts reaching 380 million diabetics by 2025, the disease poses a significant health and socioeconomic burden. Diabetic nephropathy is now a major cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide. This article outlines five essential steps for action: (i) primary prevention of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes; (ii) screening for early kidney disease via albuminuria and GFR monitoring; (iii) increasing patient awareness; (iv) implementing evidence-based treatments such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs; and (v) researching new therapies.