Nephropathy was defined using the criteria from the EMPA-REG OUTCOME study as manifest macroalbuminuria (urine albumine/creatinine ratio > 300 mg); progression from microalbuminuria (urine albumine/creatinine ratio between 30 AND 299 mg) to macroalbuminuria; a persistent (two or more consecutive measurements at least a month apart) increase in p-creatinine (above twice the normal range) without another cause present in the records (such as severe infections/septicemia, trauma or hypovolemic shock); initiation of renal dialysis; or death from renal disease (17). The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is infection.