Epidemiología de la nefropatía diabética en España (hechos y cifras)

Type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and high blood pressure (HBP) are the main causes of end-stage nephropathy in developed countries. The current epidemic of type-2 DM is expected to lead to a further increase in the frequency of end-stage nephropathy, which has already been rising in recent years. Fortunately, blood glucose control and HBP treatment, in particular by inhibiting the rennin-angiotensin system, can delay the development of diabetic nephropathy and, once it is established, can slow its progression. The leading cause of death among patients with type-2 DM is cardiovascular disease. Improved control of cardiovascular risk factors in diabetics reduces cardiovascular mortality but may, paradoxically, result in end-stage nephropathy in these patients because of increased life-expectancy. This paper presents data on the extent of HBP, type-2 DM and diabetic nephropathy in Spain. Where possible, data have been taken from population-based studies.