Diabetic Nephropathy

The field of diabetic kidney disease, formally referred to as diabetic nephropathy, has recently experienced a renaissance. With the advent of newer agents used to treat type 2 diabetes exhibiting a benefit on renal outcomes, along with cardiovascular measures, a new world of opportunities has emerged. These benefits are particularly noted from the classes of medications glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and sodium–glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitors. This chapter focuses on the pathophysiology of this disease state, the data obtained from recent studies on the use of these medications in this realm, and prospects for future use and patient benefit.