Diabetes is a multi-factorial, chronic, lifestyle disorder due to inadequate insulin production or secretion leading to high blood sugar levels. It can cause severe complications involving eyes, kidneys, blood vessels , heart and nerves.
Kidneys are vital organs of the body that help in removing waste products, balancing body fluids, maintaining blood pressure, producing red blood cells and strengthening the bones.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are responsible for 80 percent of cases of kidney failure.
Diabetes kidney disease (DKD) or Diabetic Nephropathy is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to end stage kidney disease or kidney failure.
The kidneys have glomeruli which filter the blood and remove the waste products and excess fluids by forming urine.
All these factors slowly and steadily damage the kidneys.
In the early stages of diabetic kidney disease, a person may not have visible symptoms. So, it is important to get the kidneys tested every year to detect any problem at an early stage.
A simple urine test called the Urine- Albumin Creatinine ratio (U-ACR) can detect the presence of protein (Albumin) in urine. Microalbuminuria (Alubumin in urine) is one of the first signs that can be picked up easily
and treated.
The glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test determines the ability of kidneys to filter out the waste products.
In the later stages, the person may experience swelling of ankles, feet and hands, frothy urine (due to the presence of albumin), blood in the urine (rare), shortness of breath, nausea, persistent fatigue.
Diabetic kidney disease develops over years. Therefore, the management is to slow the rate of the disease progression and to maintain and protecting the residual function of the kidneys.
For any queries related to diabetes, speak to an endocrinologist or a diabetologist. And for any queries related to the kidney, consult a nephrologist.
Get latest updates on health and wellness along with Preventive Care, Family Care, Reproductive Care, Self Care
Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we are committed to providing accurate, reliable, and authentic information to support your health and well-being. However, the content on this website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised advice regarding your specific medical condition or concerns.