Published with the inputs from Dr Jayameena P, Nephrologist, Baby Memorial Hospitals-Kozhikode
Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD), also called diabetic nephropathy, is kidney damage caused by long-term uncontrolled diabetes. High blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste. Early detection and proper management can slow or prevent progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure.
Diabetic kidney disease is a complication of diabetes where high blood sugar levels damage the filtering units (glomeruli) in the kidneys. Over time, this leads to protein leakage in urine, reduced kidney function, and in severe cases, kidney failure.
In the early stages, DKD often has no noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, patients may experience swelling in the feet and ankles, fatigue, nausea, changes in urination, and difficulty controlling blood pressure.
Diagnosis involves:
Management focuses on controlling diabetes and protecting kidney function through:
Yes. Prevention includes strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure, regular kidney function tests, a healthy diet, exercise, and quitting smoking. Early intervention can delay or prevent kidney damage in people with diabetes.
If kidney damage becomes severe, patients may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. The goal of early management is to delay or avoid reaching end-stage kidney disease.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to get your kidney function checked regularly. Our Endocrinology and Nephrology Specialists provide advanced diabetic kidney disease management, from early screening to personalized treatment plans.
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