Research on kidney disease in diabetes patients

Transformative Research In DiabEtic NephropaThy

University of Pennsylvania · NCT02986984

This study is testing how kidney biopsies can help find out why some people with diabetes have faster kidney problems than others, to look for new treatment options.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania (other)
Locations17 sites (Little Rock, Arkansas and 16 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02986984 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational cohort study focuses on patients with diabetes who are undergoing kidney biopsies to collect and analyze kidney tissue, blood, urine, and genetic materials. The goal is to identify molecular pathways and biomarkers that differentiate patients with rapid kidney function decline from those with slower progression. By utilizing high-throughput genomic analysis, the study aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Each clinical site will enroll participants and manage the biopsy sample collection as per the TRIDENT protocol.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who are scheduled for a medically indicated kidney biopsy.

Not a fit: Patients with end-stage renal disease or those who have received dialysis for more than 30 days prior to the biopsy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating diabetic kidney disease.

How similar studies have performed: While progress in diabetic kidney disease research has been limited, this study's approach is novel and aims to address gaps in understanding DKD.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Type 1 and 2 Diabetes by American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria
* Willingness to comply with study requirements, including intention to fully participate in protocol-specified follow-up at a clinical study site
* Able to provide informed consent
* Adult participants
* Planned medically indicated kidney biopsy, prescribed by a practicing nephrologist

Exclusion Criteria:

* End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), defined as chronic dialysis or kidney transplant
* History of receiving dialysis for more than 30 days prior to biopsy
* Institutionalized
* Solid organ or bone marrow transplant recipient at time of first kidney biopsy
* Less than 3-year life expectancy
* History of active alcohol and/or substance abuse that in the investigator's assessment would impair the subject's ability to comply with the protocol
* Unable to provide informed consent
* Evidence of active cancer requiring treatment, other than non-melanoma skin cancer

Where this trial is running

Little Rock, Arkansas and 16 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Diabetic Nephropathies, Diabetic Glomerulosclerosis, Diabetes, Chronic kidney disease, Progression, Genomics, Transcriptomics

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.