NEPHROPATHY IN TYPE-II DIABETES

The incidence and prevalence of end-stage renal failure from nephropat hy in patients with type II diabetes is on the increase throughout Eur ope, with interesting differences between different nations. The reaso ns for this increase include a rising prevalence of type II diabetes, aging of the population and improved survival of patients with type II diabetes, who today may live long enough to experience diabetic nephr opathy. The renal hemodynamic response to the metabolic milieu of diab etes appears to be similar in types I and II, Similarly, the histologi cal findings in both types are comparable, although non-specific chang es presumably of an ischemic nature are frequently found in patients w ith type II diabetes. In contrast to previous opinion, the renal risk also appears to be similar in type II diabetes, as is the rate of prog ression. Nephropathy of type II diabetes continues to be a challenge b oth to the diabetologist as regards prevention, and the clinical nephr ologist, as regards treatment.