Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in the US. It is a microvascular complication of diabetes characterized by albuminuria and declining renal function. Risk factors include hypertension, hyperglycemia, family history, smoking, and certain ethnicities. Treatment focuses on tight glycemic and blood pressure control using ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers to reduce proteinuria and slow renal decline. Early screening and aggressive management can help prevent or delay end-stage renal disease from diabetic nephropathy.