Research Progress on the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Kidney Disease and Its Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of endstage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Of note, its prevalence is escalating rapidly both globally and in China. However, the pathogenesis of DKD is highly complex and remains incompletely elucidated to date. Recent studies have suggested that the pathogenesis of DKD may involve renal injury attributable to oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, autophagy dysregulation, and overactivation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers unique insights and therapeutic advantages in the management of DKD, with herbal formulas and classical decoctions having demonstrated favorable clinical efficacy. This article provides a comprehensive review of the pathogenesis of DKD and the relevant research on TCM interventions, aiming to offer novel perspectives for both investigative and clinical applications of TCM in the treatment of DKD.