Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
Cystatin C for early detection of renal impairment in diabetes
D Willems1, F Wolff, F Mekahli
1Clinical Chemistry and Diabetology Unit, Brugmann University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium. Dominique.willems@chu-brugmann.be
Objectives:
Evaluation of glomerular filtration rate is of crucial importance in diabetes. Cystatin C, a cysteine protease inhibitor seems to be an interesting parameter.
Design And Methods:
67 diabetic patients with normal creatinine are evaluated. Cystatin C is compared to renal markers, by reference to Cr EDTA clearance.
Results:
Significant correlations are found between cystatin C and creatinine (r=0.54). GFR MDRD (r=-0.47) and GFR Cr EDTA (r=-0.47). The AUC of the receiver operating curves is better for GFR MDRD (0.83) and cystatin C (0.75) than for creatinine (0.63) considering the cut off value of 80 mL/min for GFR EDTA.
Conclusion:
Cystatin C seems to be a more sensitive parameter than creatinine for the detection of an incipient nephropathy in diabetes.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetic Nephropathy
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration
