Overview

As the name states, diabetic kidney disease is a type of kidney disease that is caused by diabetes. Also referred to as diabetic nephropathy, it is a serious condition that impedes the kidneys’ ability to function and remove waste from your body. Kidneys also provide critical functions such as the cleaning of blood and production of urine. When the kidneys’ functions are impaired, it causes waste to build up in the body, which can lead to dangerous complications including and up to kidney failure.

Kidney diseases are the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. The CDC estimates that 1 out of 3 adults with diabetes also has kidney disease. In a person with diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high, causing damage to the kidneys. Regular screenings for kidney disease for those with diabetes are a critical component to managing diabetes and maintaining a health lifestyle, as well as being aware of the diabetic kidney disease symptoms.

Thankfully, kidney damage can be slowed down and prevented from getting worse, as will be discussed more below.

Causes of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause diabetic kidney disease. Poor management of diabetes can lead to damage of the blood vessels and other cells in the kidneys. When damaged, these blood vessels, essential to the removal of waste, lead to overall kidney damage and can also cause high blood pressure. This high blood pressure, in turn, further creates damage by way of the increased pressure placed on the already-weakened kidneys. It is a dangerous cycle that, when left unmitigated, can lead to serious complications and kidney failure.

There are several factors that put people with diabetes at risk for experiencing diabetic kidney disease symptoms, including but not limited to:

• High blood sugar and/or high blood pressure that is not controlled
• Smoking
• High blood cholesterol
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• A high-salt diet
• Family history of diabetes and kidney disease

Diabetic Kidney Disease Symptoms

Unfortunately, most people that have diabetic kidney disease do not experience symptoms. The best way to identify this disease is through regular medical tests and screening of the kidneys. Your doctor will order blood and urine tests, looking for indicators of the disease. It is recommended that people with diabetes are tested every year to screen for kidney disease.

It is possible to self-detect diabetic kidney disease symptoms in the later stages of the disease. Since these symptoms can present as a number of different types of illnesses, it is always recommended that regular testing take place to catch the disease in its early stages. Some common symptoms include:

• Difficulty managing blood pressure
• Swelling of feet, ankles, hands, or eyes
• Increased urination
• Reduced need for insulin or diabetes medication
• Confusion and/or difficulty concentrating
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor immediately.

Prevention and Treatment

One of the best ways to prevent diabetic kidney disease is through proper maintenance of your diabetes. Effective treatment can delay and even prevent the onset of kidney disease, so it is of vital importance to do everything you can to keep your diabetes in check.

Working with your doctor to find the best ways to manage high blood pressure and sugar levels, along with maintaining a healthy weight and physical activity can greatly reduce your risk for developing kidney disease. Again, regular annual screenings can also help catch kidney disease in its early stages, even if no diabetic kidney disease symptoms are present. If you smoke, try to stop immediately. Cigarette smoke can further damage kidneys and exacerbate existing symptoms.

If it is found that you have diabetic kidney disease, your doctor may prescribe several of the above lifestyle modifications as treatment, along with prescription medications to help manage blood pressure and sugar. In late stage of the disease or in the event of kidney failure, dialysis and/or transplant may be required.