Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, also called diabetic kidney disease. Diabetic nephropathy affects the ability of the kidneys to perform their normal functions by removing waste and extra fluid from the body. The best way to prevent or delay diabetic nephropathy is to maintain A healthy lifestyle and appropriate treatment of diabetes and high blood pressure, according to the mayoclinic website
Over the years, the disease slowly damages the kidneys’ microfiltration system. Early treatment can prevent or slow the progression of the disease and reduce the chance of complications. Kidney disease may progress to kidney failure, which is called end stage renal disease. Kidney failure is a life-threatening disease. Treatment options at this stage include dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Symptoms
In the early stages of Diabetic nephropathyIn most cases, you will not notice any signs or symptoms, but in the later stages, signs and symptoms may include the following
Not controlling blood pressure
The presence of protein in the urine.
Swelling of the feet, ankles, hands or eyes.
An increased need to urinate.
The need for insulin or diabetes medications is reduced.
Confusion or difficulty concentrating.
shortness of breath
Anorexia
Nausea and vomiting
constant itch
fatigue
Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can damage the blood vessel clusters in your kidneys, which filter waste products from your blood. This can damage your kidneys, leading to high blood pressure. High blood pressure causes kidney damage by increasing pressure in the microfiltration system within the kidneys.
risk factors
If you have diabetes, factors that can increase your risk of diabetic nephropathy include:
Uncontrolled high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
to be a smoker
High level of cholesterol in the blood
obesity
Having a family history of diabetes and kidney disease
Complications
Complications of diabetic nephropathy may develop gradually over months or years. It may include:
Fluid retention, which may lead to swelling of the arms or legs, high blood pressure, or fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
High level of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia)
Cardiovascular disease (cardiovascular disease) that may cause a stroke
Damage to the blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (diabetic retinopathy)
Low number of red blood cells that carry oxygen (anaemia)
Foot ulcers, erectile dysfunction, diarrhea and other problems related to nerve and blood vessel damage
Bone and mineral disorders due to the inability of the kidneys to maintain the correct balance between calcium and phosphorous in the blood
Pregnancy complications that threaten the life of the mother and fetus
Irreversible kidney damage (end-stage renal disease), which usually requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive
protection
Follow these tips to reduce the risk of diabetic nephropathy:
Keeping regular diabetes appointments Stick to annual appointments — or closer appointments if recommended by your health care team — for monitoring your diabetes management and for monitoring for diabetic nephropathy and other complications.
Diabetes treatment With effective diabetes treatment, you can prevent or delay diabetic nephropathy.
Treating high blood pressure or other medical conditions If you have high blood pressure or any condition that increases the risk of kidney disease, work with your doctor to control it.
Follow the directions for over-the-counter medications. Follow the directions on the packages for over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil AndMotrin IB and others). People with diabetic nephropathy taking these types of painkillers may damage the kidneys.
Maintain a healthy weight If you’re at a healthy weight, make sure you maintain it by being physically active most days of the week. And if you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor regarding weight-loss strategies, such as getting daily physical activity and reducing calories.
Refrain from smoking Cigarette smoking can damage your kidneys, and if they are damaged, it will make them worse. If you smoke, talk to your doctor regarding smoking cessation strategies. Support groups, counseling and some medications can help you quit.