Do genetics play a role in the development of Diabetic Nephropathy?
The pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy is multifactorial.
Genetic susceptibility certainly seems to play a role in both the development and severity of Diabetic Nephropathy.
The likelihood of developing Diabetic Nephropathy, in both type 1 and type 2 DM, is increased in individuals with a first-degree relative with Diabetic Nephropathy.
This has perhaps been best described in Pima Indians, for whom an offspring had a 14% chance of developing proteinuria if neither parent had proteinuria.
This risk increased to 23% if one parent had proteinuria and to 46% if both parents had proteinuria.
There have been numerous genetic variants that have been implicated as potentially increasing the risk of Diabetic Nephropathy, and this remains an area of ongoing study.
