Complication Therapies > Kidney Disease/Diabetic Nephropathy
JDRF Researching Diabetic Nephropathy Prevention Strategies
Diabetic kidney disease, also known as
diabetic nephropathy
, is one of the most common and devastating complications of diabetes. It is a slow deterioration of the kidneys and kidney function which, in more severe cases, can eventually result in kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease, or ESRD. Nephropathy affects up to 30 percent of people with diabetes. People with end-stage diabetic nephropathy require either a kidney transplant or dialysis for the rest of their lives. See our
frequently asked questions about kidney disease.
JDRF Research:
Though no cure currently exists, scientists are evolving strategies for the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Researchers are investigating the genetic components of nephropathy in people with type 1 diabetes, to aid in screening for early treatment. Several drugs for treating hypertension, as well as other types of drugs, are showing promise for treating the disease, but more research is needed. Research is also underway to understand the mechanisms of the disease, improve the success of kidney transplants, and test the effectiveness of simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplants.
