Symptoms
Your kidneys contain tiny vessels that filter your blood. Diabetic nephropathy, or diabetic kidney disease, occurs when high blood sugar from diabetes increases your blood pressure and damages these vessels. This can decrease kidney function or cause kidney failure.
Symptoms of diabetic kidney disease may include:
-
Confusion or fatigue
-
Decreased appetite
-
Decreased need for insulin or diabetes medication
-
Foot, ankle, hand, or eye swelling
-
Frequent urination
-
Itching
-
Nausea or vomiting
Risks
This condition is a common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Your risk of developing it is increased by:
-
Family history of kidney disease
-
High blood sugar
-
Smoking
-
Controlling your diabetes can significantly reduce your risk
Tests
If you have diabetes, your doctor may conduct a yearly urine test to determine how well your kidneys are functioning. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.
Treatments
Our specialists work together and with other specialties to develop and implement individualized plans to treat diabetic nephropathy. This could include lifestyle modifications, medication, or more advanced treatments.
Additional information
Manage your healthcare
Make appointments, review your test results, and exchange secure messages with your doctor in the myMedStar portal.