Diabetic nephropathy in African Americans

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the number one cause of end-stage renal disease in United States and is highly prevalent in African Americans. We have found that among African Americans in Mississippi diabetic nephropathy appears to affect females more than males, which may be related to increased rates of obesity and diabetes in African American women. Glycemic control and control of blood pressure is essential to prolong renal survival and to protect against cardiovascular events. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce cardiovascular mortality in diabetics and are tolerated in advanced renal disease. The impact of glycemic control, appropriate antihypertensives, and the optimal level of blood pressure control in African Americans with advanced DN require further study. This article reviews the impact, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and treatment of diabetic nephropathy in African Americans.