The role of genetic susceptibility in diabetic nephropathy : evidence from family studies

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the long-term complications of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is a leading cause of end-renal disease in many countries [1]. Furthermore, it is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality, with most of the excess mortality associated with diabetes being seen in those with nephropathy [2,3]. It is impossible to predict which diabetic patients will develop renal disease. Although duration of diabetes, tightness of glycaemic control, and blood pressure are undoubtedly implicated [4,5], these factors are insufficient on their own to predict which patients will develop the complication. Therefore, a patient with poor blood pressure and glycaemic control might not develop diabetic renal disease even many years after diagnosis of diabetes. Clearly, other factors must also be involved.