Dennis Wilson is a 57-year-old chemical engineer who has had type 1 diabetes since he was 12 years old. He spent 34 years working in oil refineries, and he is a smoker. He is 5'11" tall and weighs 160 pounds. Over the past several years, he has experienced a gradual decline in kidney function. His GFR has declined to 27 mL/min per 1.73 m².
The likely cause of Mr. Wilson's chronic kidney disease is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mr. Wilson's history of type 1 diabetes is the most likely cause of his chronic kidney disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease in the United States, and it is estimated that up to 40% of people with diabetes will develop kidney disease. The gradual decline in his kidney function is consistent with the progressive nature of diabetic nephropathy. While exposure to workplace chemicals and smoking can contribute to kidney damage, they are less likely to be the primary cause in this case. Male gender and age can be risk factors for kidney disease, but they are not as significant as a history of diabetes.

Dennis Wilson Is a 57-Year-Old Chemical Engineer Who Has Had