Long-term glycemic control and the rate of progression of early diabetic kidney disease

Abstract

In this prospective study of 11.9 years duration (range 9 to 14), we examined the progression of albuminuria prior to and after the onset of microalbuminuria [albumin excretion rate (AER): 20 to 200 μg/minute]. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1), AER and blood pressure were measured every six months. Twenty-two (13 type I, 9 type II) patients were identified in whom AER increased progressively (progressors). These patients were compared with 22 others matched for age, duration and type of diabetes in whom AER did not change significantly during the study period (non-progressors). In the progressors, the rate of increase in AER correlated with mean HbA1 for the study period in patients with type I (r..