To uncover the potential protective function of PKM2 specifically on podocytes against hyperglycemia, we generated mice with PKM2 overexpression specifically in podocytes (PPKM2Tg) and characterized its regulation of glomerular metabolism, mitochondrial functions, and VEGF expression in the development of DN, with correlation of glomerular VEGF expression to renal functions in Medalists with T1D. Here, VEGFA is linked to type 1 diabetes mellitus.