Diabetic Nephropathy: Important Elements for the Clinical Practice of the Family Physician

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy (dn) is one of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus (dm). It is known that hyperglycemia is a necessary condition and main element in the development of diabetic nephropathy. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has a fundamental role in the mechanisms involved in the kidney and vascular damage. The clinical syndrome is characterized by persistent proteinuria, hypertension and the progressive deterioration of renal function. Two important aspects of treatment are: optimal control of hyperglycemia and of hypertension.