Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common causes of renal failure and has a high prevalence in the Asia-Pacific region. 2001 retrospective analysis of domestic inpatients showed that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes complicated by nephropathy was 34.7%. Early diabetic nephropathy is characterized by a mild increase in albumin excretion in the urine (microalbuminuria), progressing to massive albuminuria and rising serum creatinine, and eventually renal failure, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. As renal function gradually decreases, the risk of cardiovascular disease also increases significantly. Therefore, microalbuminuria should be considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and renal failure, as well as severe renal lesions. The development of diabetic nephropathy can be prevented or delayed by strict control of blood glucose and blood pressure in the early stages of diabetic nephropathy.