Methods and compositions of the invention relate to the treatment of diabetic nephropathy and associated disorders. In particular, the methods and compositions use a pharmaceutical-grade galactose-pronged carbohydrate or pharmaceutical compositions thereof alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents. Effective reduction of nephropathy markers was observed in animal models. The effective dosages achieved in application of the inventive carbohydrates reach the lower limits of 0.1-0.45 mg/kg.
