Diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of chronic kidney disease, is a common and morbid complication of diabetes. Individuals with nephropathy are at a much greater risk for other micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) from diabetes is the most common single cause of entry to renal replacement programs worldwide. ESRD is devastating to the individual and of enormous financial and social consequences to society. Increasing diabetes prevalence is already being reflected in high diabetic nephropathy prevalence. The early detection and effective management of diabetic nephropathy would delay or prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease. Thus, it is important to understand the exact current status of diabetic nephropathy. We review the epidemiology of diabetic nephropathy including prevalence, incidence, and trends.