Diabetic nephropathy in children

It is estimated that among 100 million European children aged 0–14 years, some 10 000 will develop insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) each year. Within a subset of 10–30% of IDDM patients who will ultimately develop diabetic nephropathy (DN), the earliest stages of disease can be detected within the first 4–5 years after diagnosis w1–3x. We present the risk factors for the development, the appropriate screening for early manifestations, and the strategy for prevention and treatment of DN in children and adolescents.