An Unusual Association: Collapsing Glomerulonephritis in a Patient With Type 1 Diabetes

This case report describes a 38-year-old female patient with type 1 diabetes who developed collapsing-type glomerulonephritis (CTGN), a rare but severe kidney injury. The patient presented with nephrotic syndrome symptoms, including edema and hypertension. Laboratory tests showed significant proteinuria with normal serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate. A renal biopsy confirmed CTGN, marked by podocyte injury and glomerular capillary collapse. Given the patient's type 1 diabetes, the potential link between hyperglycemia, metabolic disturbances, and CTGN pathogenesis was explored. Treatment focused on stringent glycemic control, without immunosuppressive therapy, resulting in reduced proteinuria. This case underscores the importance of recognizing CTGN in diabetic patients and suggests a possible multifactorial component in its development. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying pathophysiology and optimize management strategies.