Diabetic renal disease in transitional and disadvantaged populations

SUMMARY: Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions throughout much of the world, and people from developing countries and disadvantaged groups from developed countries are affected disproportionately. Not only is diabetes more common in these populations, but it develops at an earlier age. Accordingly, patients have more years of life in which to develop the chronic complications of diabetes and the risk of complications is often further enhanced by limited access to health care. Renal disease is a frequent consequence of diabetes in these populations, and a number of factors related to poverty, malnutrition and accelerated lifestyle changes may lead to even greater rates in the future.