Prognosis for juvenile diabetics with nephropathy and failing renal function

A total of 157 consecutive patients with juvenile diabetes (onset before the 31st birthday), diabetic nephropathy, and impaired renal function were followed up until 1.1.1976. All the patients had been admitted to the Steno Memorial Hospital, Copenhagen, between 1934 and 1972. Independently of the patients' age at onset of diabetes, it was found that persistent proteinuria appeared after an average of 19 years, and that death ensued 5--6 years thereafter. Division of the patients into two groups, according to whether the diabetes had set in before or after 1940, showed no signs of an improved prognosis during the past few decades. Once the serum creatinine has started to rise, the prognosis is very grave. Only 50% were alive 21 months after serum creatinine levels of 2--5 mg/100 ml had been ascertained. Among patients whose serum creatinine exceeded 5 mg/100 ml, 50% succumbed in 9 months. It is concluded that renal transplantation, if it is to be done, should be instituted early.