RESUMO
This review describes the advances in the knowledge about the genetic aspects of common chronic complications of diabetes with prognostic significance, such as diabetic nephropathy and cardiovascular diseases. It is well known that the genetic factors responsible for chronic complications are different from those that cause diabetes mellitus. Until recently, the studies were limited to the analysis of individual genes associated or related to multifactorial diseases. However at the present time the "genome wide association studies" lead to a great advance in knowledge. The analysis of genetic variations or polymorphisms allows the understanding of human individuality and the predisposition towards certain diseases. A new research field appeared in 2004, when small messenger RNAs, called microRNA related to diabetes mellitus and its chronic complications, were identified. The function of these RNAs is to regulate several target genes. These affect insulin secretion and action and genes related to microangiopathic and specific macroangiopahic complications. This new knowledge will identify new genes related to the disease and will allow the development of therapeutic strategies devised according to individual susceptibility towards specific chronic complication.