Diabetic renal disease in transitional and disadvantaged populations

Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions throughout much of the w orld, and people from developing countries and disadvantaged groups from de veloped countries are affected disproportionately. Not only is diabetes mor e common in these populations, but it develops at an earlier age. According ly, patients have more years of life in which to develop the chronic compli cations of diabetes and the risk of complications is often further enhanced by limited access to health care. Renal disease is a frequent consequence of diabetes in these populations, and a number of factors related to povert y, malnutrition and accelerated lifestyle changes may lead to even greater rates in the future.