What Is Diabetic Kidney Disease?
Diabetic kidney disease happens when diabetes damages the kidneys over time. The kidneys normally filter waste and extra fluid from the blood, but high blood sugar can make it harder for them to work properly.
This condition usually develops slowly. Without treatment, kidney damage can worsen and may eventually lead to kidney failure. Diabetic kidney disease is caused by long-term damage from high blood sugar. High blood pressure can make the condition progress faster.
Risk factors include:
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Poor blood sugar control
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High cholesterol
- Family history of kidney disease
Symptoms
Many people do not notice symptoms in the early stages of diabetic kidney disease. Regular testing is important because kidney damage can begin before you feel sick.
Symptoms may include:
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands
- Feeling tired or weak
- High blood pressure
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Trouble concentrating
- Changes in urination
How Is It Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers use blood and urine tests to check how well the kidneys are working. One common test looks for a protein called albumin in the urine, which can be an early sign of kidney damage.
Blood tests may measure creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to evaluate kidney function. Regular screening is recommended for people living with diabetes, even if symptoms are not present.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment focuses on slowing kidney damage and protecting overall health. Managing diabetes and blood pressure carefully can help reduce stress on the kidneys.
Treatment options may include:
- Keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range
- Taking medicines to control blood pressure
- Eating a kidney-friendly diet
- Staying physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting medications that may harm the kidneys
In more advanced cases, care from a kidney specialist may be needed. Severe kidney failure may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
With early treatment and regular monitoring, many people can slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease and maintain kidney function for years.
