Risk factors for retardation of renal function in IDDM and NIDDM with nephropathy

Risk factors for retardation of renal function in 22 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) were studied and compared with those in 16 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The annual decline rate of reciprocal serum creatinine was calculated from the rise of creatinine to the commencement of dialysis. The annual decline rate was compared with levels of blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, HbA1, and lipids, and clinical findings in patients with or without nephrotic syndrome during the same period. There was no significant difference in the rate of decline in levels of fasting blood glucose and HbA1, in IDDM and NIDDM. In NIDDM, the major risk factor is hypertension, as in IDDM. Triglycerides and total cholesterol also play roles in the retardation of renal function. Nephrotic syndrome also influenced the retardation of renal function in both IDDM and NIDDM.