Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe microvascular complication of diabetes with a complex pathogenesis. METHODS: Recent studies were reviewed to explore the role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in DN development. RESULTS: Dysbiosis of gut bacteria contributes to pathological changes such as glomerular sclerosis and renal tubule injury. Microbial metabolites are involved in DN through immune and inflammatory pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the relationship between gut microbiota, its metabolites, and DN may offer potential implications for DN diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Translating this knowledge into clinical practice presents challenges and opportunities.