Diabetic Kidney Disease

Overview

Diabetic kidney disease is also known as diabetic nephropathy. In diabetes, the blood sugar level is high. This high blood sugar level causes the blood vessels of the kidneys to be damaged. Another factor that causes kidney damage in diabetes is high blood pressure. It affects the blood vessels in the kidney and causes the function of the kidneys to be affected. People with diabetic nephropathy will have symptoms such as increased blood pressure, frothy urine, dark urine, swelling of ankles and legs, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and confusion. To diagnose diabetic kidney disease, investigations such as full blood count, urinalysis, urine dipstick, urine culture and sensitivity, and blood glucose level is done. Diabetes causes slow deterioration of the kidneys, hence it should be controlled and prevented before it reaches end-stage renal failure by controlling blood sugar levels, controlling blood pressure, practice a healthy lifestyle and taking medications.