Clinical Research Directory

Immune System in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Sponsor: University Medical Centre Ljubljana

Summary

Diabetes is a chronic condition marked by long-term elevated blood glucose levels. There are more types of diabetes; the majority of patients have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Over long period of time, high blood sugar damages blood vessels and organs. One of the most common complications is diabetic kidney disease, which can slowly lead to kidney failure. People with this condition also have a much higher risk of heart and blood vessel diseases. Newer research shows that the immune system, especially the complement system (a group of proteins that help defend the body), may also play a role in worsening kidney disease in diabetes. High blood sugar can activate these proteins, and they have been found in kidney tissue of patients with diabetic kidney disease. The goal of this study is to find out how much the complement system contributes to kidney damage in diabetes, whether it affects different groups of patients differently, and whether it is linked to blood vessel health or the stage of kidney disease. The study will also assess if improved diabetes control is linked to reduced complement system activity.

Official title: The Role of Complement in Diabetic Kidney Disease

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