Table 1.
Stage | Features |
---|---|
I | Hyperfunction, hypertrophy. |
Increased urinary albumin excretion (microalbuminuria). | |
II | Morphologic lesions without clinical signs of disease. Increased GFR. |
Poor diabetic control or exercise increase microalbuminuria. | |
III | Incipient DN. Persistent proteinuria (30–300) mg/24 h. Microalbuminuria slowly increasing over the years. Increased GFR. |
IV | Overt DN. Persistent proteinuria (>0.5 g/24 h). Untreated hypertension leads to decreased GFR. |
V | End-stage renal failure with uremia due to DN. |
Note. DN: diabetic nephropathy; GFR: glomerular filtration rate.