PREVIEW
Once macroalbuminuria develops in patients with diabetes, renal function declines about 10% per year, ending in end-stage renal disease. Fortunately, several treatment methods, discussed by Drs Bell and Alele, are available to slow this decline and prolong the active life of the kidney. The authors also describe diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy, which has no clinical signs or symptoms in its early stages. With exacting and aggressive control of hypertension and glucose levels, microalbuminuria can be controlled so diabetic nephropathy is avoided or delayed.