Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

A Protocol for Constructing a Rat Wound Model of Type 1 Diabetes
Published on: February 17, 2023
[Woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus and rapidly progressive edema]
1Medizinische Klinik I, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Bochum. marianne.ehren@bergmannsheil.de
History And Clinical Findings:
A 47-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus was presented for evaluation of progressive oedema, fatigue and weight gain. Her medical history was significant for arterial hypertension and autoimmune thyroiditis requiring substitution therapy with levothyroxine. Physical examination revealed bilateral malleolar and crural oedema, swelling of the eyelids and two-sided pleural effusions. DIAGNOSTIC, TREATMENT AND COURSE: The blood level of albumin was very low, urine analysis showed proteinuria of > 8 g/day. The kidney biopsy revealed only slight changes. This led in combination with the blood and urine results to the diagnosis of minimal change glomerulopathy. After initiation of high dose prednisolone the patient achieved near total remission within four weeks. Prednisolone therapy was tapered over several months.
Conclusion:
In patients with diabetes mellitus and suddenly occurring nephrotic syndrome other diseases than diabetic nephropathy have to be considered. In most cases a kidney biopsy is mandatory.
Related Concept Videos
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
