The cover picture shows a scanning electron micrograph of glomeruli. In diabetic nephropathy the glomeruli are damaged by sclerosis leading to reduced renal function (glomerular filtration rate) and increased leakage of albumin across the glomerular filtration barrier. In the present issue of Diabetologia (51: 956-961), Schjoedt et al. report an audit showing that treatment for more than a decade with blockers of the renin-angiotensin system protects glomeruli against injury as development of diabetic nephropathy is reduced in type 1 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria. This confirms an improved prognosis for patients in a clinical setting as suggested by shorter randomised controlled clinical trials. Download the high resolution cover image
Cover credit: SUSUMU NISHINAGA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY