In its early stages, DKD is asymptomatic and can only be detected by measuring the decline in kidney function (i.e., eGFR) and albuminuria levels; hence, the 2025 ADA Standards of Care recommend the regular assessment of eGFR and spot urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (spot UACR) in both T1DM patients (after five years of their initial DM diagnosis and annually thereafter) and T2DM patients (at the time of their first diagnosis and annually thereafter). The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is type 1 diabetes mellitus.