Diabetes
Diabetes
Diabetic kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy, results from prolonged high blood sugar damaging kidney blood vessels. This leads to protein loss in urine, hypertension, swelling, and eventually severe kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease, ESKD).
Importance
- Leading Cause: Diabetic kidney disease is the top cause of chronic kidney disease and accounts for 40-45% of new ESKD cases.
- High Mortality: It poses a high mortality risk and costly treatment challenges, especially in developing countries.
- Early Detection: Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent progression, delay dialysis, and improve outcomes.
Risk Factors
- Type 1 Diabetes: 30-35% risk.
- Type 2 Diabetes: 10-40% risk; a major cause of chronic kidney disease.
- Factors include poor blood sugar control, high blood pressure, family history, and the presence of protein in urine.
Symptoms
- Foamy urine, high blood pressure, swelling, reduced insulin needs.
- Advanced symptoms include weakness, fatigue, nausea, and elevated creatinine levels.
Diagnosis
- Early Detection: Microalbuminuria test is ideal for early diagnosis. Macroalbuminuria is detected through standard urine dipstick tests.
- Routine Testing: Annual urine tests for microalbuminuria and blood tests for creatinine and eGFR are recommended.
Prevention
- Regular check-ups.
- Control blood sugar (HbA1C < 7%) and blood pressure (< 130/80 mmHg).
- Use ACE inhibitors or ARBs for hypertension.
- Maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
Treatment
- Control diabetes and blood pressure strictly.
- Use ACE inhibitors or ARBs early to slow progression.
- Manage fluid balance with diuretics and adjust diabetes medications as needed.
- Advanced cases may require dialysis or kidney transplants.
Consult a Doctor If:
- Rapid weight gain, reduced urine output, severe swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate, persistent symptoms like nausea or confusion.
