<prompt> The characteristic finding in diabetic nephropathy is-Diffuse glomerulosclerosisNodular glomerulosclerosisArmani -Ebstein reactionFibrin caps  <response>: Pathologically, the first changes in diabetic nephropathy coincide with the onset of microalbuminuria and include thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and accumulation of matrix material in the mesangium. Subsequently, nodular deposits Kimmelstiel-Wilson nodule, pathognomic of diabetic kidney disease, and glomerulosclerosis develops which worsens as heavy proteinuria develops, until glomeruli are progressively lost and renal function deteriorates. Reference : page 830 Davidsons Principles and practice of Medicine 22nd edition 