Dietary controls produce positive results for a non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patient.
Renal disease is a leading cause of death and disability for diabetic patients. Diabetic nephropathy is responsible for half of the cases of end-stage renal disease in the United States. For non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients, the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy varies from 15% to 60% and is influenced by genetic background. Early screening and controlling of microalbumin levels are essential to affect the outcome of diabetic nephropathy. Studies show that clinical renal dysfunction in diabetics does not correlate well with the histological abnormalities. Strategies for nephropreservation include close lipid, glycemic, and blood pressure control, and tobacco termination. Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors exert nephroprotective effects beyond their beneficial blood pressure-lowering effects. The importance of strict diet is emphasized in a case presentation.