Health A-Z

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), also known as diabetic nephropathy, is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by progressive damage to the kidneys. Here's an overview of the symptoms, treatment plan, and diagnosis testing for diabetic kidney disease.

1. Proteinuria: Excessive protein in the urine (proteinuria) is one of the earliest signs of diabetic kidney disease. It may cause foamy or frothy urine.
2. Hematuria: Blood in the urine (hematuria) may occur due to damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys.
3. Edema: Swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, feet, or face, may occur as a result of fluid retention (edema).
4. Hypertension: High blood pressure (hypertension) is common in individuals with diabetic kidney disease and may worsen as kidney function declines.
5. Fatigue and Weakness: Kidney dysfunction can lead to anemia, resulting in fatigue, weakness, and decreased exercise tolerance.
6. Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may occur as waste products accumulate in the bloodstream.
7. Itching: Accumulation of waste products in the blood may cause itching, particularly in the absence of other skin conditions.
8. Difficulty Concentrating: Impaired kidney function can affect cognitive function and concentration, leading to mental cloudiness or difficulty focusing.

1. Blood Glucose Control: Tight control of blood glucose levels through lifestyle modifications, medication, and insulin therapy is essential for slowing the progression of diabetic kidney disease and reducing the risk of complications.
2. Blood Pressure Management: Aggressive control of hypertension is crucial for protecting kidney function and delaying the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used to lower blood pressure and reduce proteinuria.
3. Medications to Protect the Kidneys: Certain medications, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, have been shown to provide cardiovascular and renal protection in individuals with diabetes and kidney disease.
4. Dietary Modifications: A balanced diet low in sodium, saturated fats, and refined sugars can help manage blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and weight, reducing the risk of complications associated with diabetic kidney disease.
5. Smoking Cessation: Smoking can accelerate the progression of kidney disease and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. Quitting smoking is essential for protecting kidney function and overall health.
6. Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve cardiovascular health, control blood glucose levels, and maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of complications associated with diabetic kidney disease.

1. Urinalysis: Urinalysis is used to assess for the presence of proteinuria, hematuria, and other abnormalities in the urine.
2. Blood Tests: Blood tests such as serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are used to evaluate kidney function and assess for signs of kidney damage.
3. Albuminuria Testing: Measurement of urinary albumin excretion is an important marker of kidney damage in diabetic kidney disease.
4. Kidney Imaging: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be performed to evaluate the size, shape, and structure of the kidneys and detect any abnormalities.
5. Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for further evaluation and to guide treatment decisions, particularly if the diagnosis is unclear or if other kidney conditions are suspected.