The current status of diabetic nephropathy in Korea / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

The number of patients beginning renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Korea has grown exponentially over the past two decades. Patients with end-stage renal disease attributed to diabetes accounted for most of this increase (45% of new patients requiring RRT). The estimated prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in diabetics in Korea is 30% or more. The early detection and effective treatment of nephropathy in diabetics would prevent or delay the progression of chronic kidney disease. Therefore, comprehensive health intervention to control the increasing prevalence of diabetes and promote early awareness and aggressive management of diabetic nephropathy are needed.