Diabetic Nephropathy (kidney disease)

What is diabetic nephropathy?

“Nephropathy” means any disease affecting the kidneys. It’s called Diabetic Nephropathy when it’s related to diabetes. Diabetic Nephropathy is a kidney disease that causes a gradual decline in kidney function, sometimes progressing to kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It affects people with both Type I & Type II diabetes.

How does diabetes cause nephropathy?

Chronic high blood sugar damages the kidneys over time. This leads to proteinuria (leakage of albumin & proteins in urine), which damages the filtering modules of the kidney called nephrons. Early symptoms include foamy urine, swelling in feet, and fatigue.

Can diabetic nephropathy lead to serious complications?

Diabetic Nephropathy affects about 20–40% of people with diabetes. If unmanaged, it can progress to kidney failure and increase the risk of complications:

• Cardiovascular problems
• Anemia (decreased RBC production)
• Pulmonary Edema (fluid buildup in lungs)
• Kidney Failure

How is diabetic nephropathy treated?

Risk can be reduced by carefully managing blood sugar and blood pressure with medications prescribed by a doctor. Treatments may include ACE inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, or GLP-1 receptor agonists, depending on medical history.

• Regular physical exercise
• Balanced diet
• Low-sodium foods
• Taking medications as prescribed

Benefits of managing diabetic nephropathy

• Lowers risk of heart attack
• Lowers risk of stroke
• Prevents ESRD
• Improves overall health