The survival period of diabetic nephropathy mainly depends on the stage of nephropathy and the effect of treatment, and it is impossible to determine the exact time. Some patients may not affect the life expectancy, while others can gradually develop renal insufficiency or even uremia, which can have some impact on the life expectancy. Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes. Currently it can be categorized into 5 stages. Stage I: there is no clinical manifestation of nephropathy, only hemodynamic changes, when glomerular filtration rate increases, kidney volume increases, glomerular and tubular hypertrophy. There may be transient micro-proteinuria during exercise, emergencies, and poor glycemic control, at which time active glycemic control usually does not affect life expectancy. Stage II: Persistent microproteinuria with normal or elevated glomerular filtration rate and no clinical symptoms. This time, if actively control blood glucose, apply drugs to reduce proteinuria, the treatment effect is good, may not affect the life expectancy. Stage III: proteinuria increases significantly (proteinuria>0.5g/24h), there may be mild hypertension, glomerular filtration rate decreases, but blood creatinine is normal. Aggressive control of blood pressure and glucose levels and reduction of urinary protein may not affect life expectancy. Stage IV: large amount of proteinuria, up to nephrotic syndrome. If actively treated with good therapeutic effect, it may not affect life expectancy; if the therapeutic effect is poor and renal function progresses, it may affect life expectancy. Stage V: Continuous reduction of renal function until end-stage renal disease. If patients develop uremia, it may be life-threatening and affect life expectancy. Patients with diabetic nephropathy are advised to visit regular hospitals in time and standardize the treatment under the guidance of doctors.