Diabetic Nephropathy

Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy at Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a leader in using state-of-the-art diagnostic methods and novel treatments to treat diabetic nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease), a condition which is becoming increasingly prevalent as more patients are diagnosed with diabetes. Mayo Clinic specialists from nephrology, hypertension, cardiology and endocrinology work as an integrated team to treat thousands of patients with this disease each year.

For example, in 2004, the Diabetic Nephropathy Clinic was created at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to provide the best care for this growing patient population. This clinic brings together a dedicated group of nephrologists, hypertension nurses and dietitians who use a specialized treatment plan developed at Mayo Clinic to customize therapy for each patient. Diabetic Nephropathy Clinic personnel also closely collaborate with physicians and nurse practitioners from the division of endocrinology as well as a patient's local physician to coordinate care.

At Mayo Clinic, every effort is made to identify and evaluate patients with diabetes that may develop diabetic kidney disease. Early diagnosis and treatment of such patients significantly reduces their risk of developing heart disease and kidney failure.

In addition, ongoing research efforts enhance patient care; Mayo physician specialists and scientists collaborate both nationally and internationally in the conduct of clinical trials to develop novel treatments and understand the underlying causes of diabetic kidney disease. Mayo nephrologists and hypertension specialists also serve on the Mayo Nephrology Collaborative Group, a network for clinical research on kidney disease.