Clinical nephrology is confronted with an emerging medical catastrophe of international proportions: endstage renal failure in patients with type 2 diabetes. From a number of recent studies it has become apparent that nephropathy in type 2 diabetes is a preventable condition, at least in principle. It is for this reason that it appeared timely to summarize the current state of knowledge concerning nephropathy in type 2 diabetes, giving an update on the predisposing factors on which interventions are of proven benefit and on the accepted standards of management of such patients. This concise monograph is addressed not only to nephrologists, but also to diabetologists and general practitioners. It is hoped that it will help to improve clinical outcomes in the future.