Diabetic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of diabetes. It refers to glomerular damage caused by long‑term hyperglycemia, leading to glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In the early stage, there are usually no obvious symptoms, and blood pressure may be normal or slightly elevated.
The incidence increases with the duration of diabetes. In the early stage of diabetes, the kidneys become enlarged, and the glomerular filtration rate increases, showing a state of hyperfiltration. Intermittent proteinuria or microalbuminuria gradually appears later. With the progression of the disease, persistent proteinuria, edema, hypertension, and a decreased glomerular filtration rate develop, followed by renal insufficiency and uremia. Diabetic kidney disease is one of the major causes of death in diabetic patients.