ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews and summarizes the current state of thinking pertaining to diabetic nephropathy (DN), and discusses dietary and other measures to thwart the progression of this disease. It argues that research in this area is dynamic, and any compilation will necessarily be incomplete, given the vast complexity of the effects of hyperglycemia. DN is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Caucasians are significantly more likely to be affected by type 1 DM than underrepresented U. S racial minorities. DN is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease in Western societies. Tight glucose and blood-pressure control remain paramount in thwarting the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Overwhelming evidence supports the contention that oxidative stress is the major mechanism behind the development of DN. Oxidative stress affects the kidney in a myriad ways. Multiple pathways exist for development of reactive oxygen species that make treatment difficult.
