Further information

Although diabetic nephropathy takes 10-15 years to develop in people with type 1 diabetes, changes (proteinuria, with or without reduced renal function) are frequently detected within five years of the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, possibly because abnormal glucose metabolism predates the diagnosis. Some degree of diabetic nephropathy occurs in 20-50% of people with type 2 diabetes and is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Its progression may be preventable. Therefore early detection is highly desirable.