In the present study, we extended a previous large-scale association study for diabetic nephropathy, and provide evidence that a SNP within the acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase beta gene (ACACB; MIM: 601557) contributes to an increased prevalence of proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes across different ethnic populations. This evidence concerns the gene ACACB and diabetic kidney disease.