What is Diabetic Nephropathy?

Nephropathy can be a complication of any type of diabetes because it is caused by damage resulting from high blood glucose.

High blood glucose affects the arteries all over your body, and your kidneys filter your blood from those arteries.

Who gets nephropathy due to diabetes?

Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can get nephropathy due to diabetes. But you're more likely to get nephropathy due to diabetes if you're:

Black.
Native American, Alaska Native or First Nations.
Polynesian.
Maori.

Other risk factors include:

Family history of kidney disease
High blood pressure
Using tobacco products
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)

What are signs and symptoms of diabetes-related nephropathy?

Diabetes-related nephropathy signs and symptoms generally only show up after it has damaged at least 80% to 90% of your kidneys. These signs and symptoms include:

Swelling in your face, hands and feet (edema)
Nausea and vomiting
Tiredness or fatigue
Dyspnea - Shortness of breath
Loss of appetite
Foamy or bubbly pee.
Can’t think or get confused.
Itchy, dry skin.
Muscle spasms.
May require less insulin.

What is diabetic nephropathy?

Diabetic nephropathy is a complication of type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

How is diabetic nephropathy diagnosed?

If you have diabetes, you should visit your healthcare provider every three to six months (or as advised by your provider) for check-ups on your health. If your healthcare provider suspects that you may have diabetic nephropathy, they may request tests.

What tests will be done to diagnose diabetes-related nephropathy?

The following tests are used to diagnose diabetes-related nephropathy:

Urinalysis

A urinalysis, also known as a urine test, evaluates the visual, chemical, and microscopic makeup of your urine. Your provider will perform a urinalysis by using a dipstick. Your healthcare provider can order some of the following types of urinalysis tests.

Blood tests

An eGFR test measures your kidneys to filter blood.
Your doctor will take out some blood from a vein in your arm using a thin needle (21 gauges, slightly smaller than the size of a standard earring). Your doctor uses a formula, part of your general basic health information, and the levels of creatinine in your blood to calculate your eGFR.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests can be used by your doctor to decide your kidneys' condition.
Ultrasounds are non-invasive diagnostic tests that can outline the size and structure of your kidneys.
Other imaging tests, such as MRI and CT scans, may also be used to further define your blood vessels and blood supply to your kidneys.

Kidney biopsy

Your healthcare provider may remove a small piece of your kidney tissue for microscopic examination in a laboratory.

Your doctor will first inject a local anesthetic in the area, so you won't feel any pain. In addition to that, they will give you a light sedative to help you relax during the procedure. Next, they will inject a needle into your skin through which they can easily reach your kidney to collect the tissue sample.

How is diabetes-related nephropathy treated?

The treatment depends on the stage, your age, and your general health. In treating diabetes-related nephropathy, managing your diabetes is the first step. To manage your diabetes better, you can consider the following:

Eating more foods that are rich in fiber but low in fats and calories.
Exercise regularly.
Monitor your weight.
Quit smoking, or quit other tobacco use.

High blood pressure, if present, must also be treated. Your health care professional can prescribe medications to lower your high blood pressure.

What are the treatments for diabetic nephropathy?

In case you suffer from severe diabetic kidney disease, the above treatments will be considered:

Dialysis: If your kidneys are not working properly, dialysis does the work of your kidney. In dialysis, a machine removes your blood, filters waste products and excess fluid and returns blood to your body.
Kidney Transplant: In the procedure of kidney transplant you will get healthy kidneys from another person also known as kidney donor.

How can I prevent nephropathy due to diabetes?

Management of diabetes and maintaining low blood pressure are the best prevention measures against diabetes-related nephropathy. Make sure you comply with your treatment plan as prescribed by your doctor.

What are my chances if I have diabetes-related nephropathy?

Diabetes-related nephropathy is slowly progressive. Once you have diabetes-related nephropathy, you cannot reverse damage to your kidney. But timely diagnosis and continuation of treatment will either slow down or prevent advancement of diabetes-related nephropathy.

Diabetes-related nephropathy may cause kidney failure. In some cases, the condition can be fatal. For the most part, kidney failure cannot be cured except with dialysis or a kidney transplant.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have diabetes, please schedule frequent appointments with your healthcare provider at least every three to six months or as recommended.

If you have diabetes, your provider will tell you to get annual tests for diabetes-related nephropathy starting five years after your first diagnosis. The impact of kidney damage normally does not happen during the first 10 years after your diagnosis from a diabetes condition. One with diabetes for more than 25 years and does not possess some forms of kidney damage is less likely to suffer from diabetes-related nephropathy.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Diabetic Nephropathy treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital has the most trusted team of Nephrologists with advanced diagnostic equipment care for Diabetic Nephropathy treatment in Lucknow, India. Our Nephrology department follows international safety standards and has years of experience in successfully managing disease and conditions like Diabetic Nephropathy.