JDRF Perspective: Bridging the Gap—Translational Research to Prevent Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy

Summary For those with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy predicts a significant negative impact on quality of life and mortality risk. Diabetic nephropathy is a huge component of the potential cost of diabetes both to the individual and society. For this reason, JDRF and others have prioritized programs aimed to advance our understanding of diabetic nephropathy and translate findings to benefit patients with T1D. Although the current standard of care has reduced the incidence of diabetic nephropathy, a significant proportion of those with T1D are still at risk for declining renal function and progression to end-stage renal disease. Carefully directed research is needed to discover and translate novel targets and biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy to improve the prognosis and outlook for those with T1D and at risk for end-stage renal disease.