Diabetic Nephropathy

Dr. Ayush PandeyMBBS,PG Diploma

December 01, 2018

January 04, 2023

Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetic Nephropathy

What is diabetic nephropathy?

Diabetic nephropathy is the most common disorder responsible for renal failure. The primary function of kidneys is removing waste products from blood. Diabetes can cause an alteration in the filtering system of the kidneys over the long term, causing damage to tissues, resulting in kidney disease (nephropathy).

Please click here to know more about diabetes treatment.

(Read More - Diabetic Dyslipidemia treatment)

Diabetic Nephropathy Symptoms

Kidney diseases do not produce symptoms until most of the kidney function is lost. Also, the symptoms that eventually appear are non-specific. Fluid build-up is the first sign of nephropathy. Other symptoms include:

(Read More - Ayurvedic treatment for Diabetes)

Diabetic Nephropathy Causes

Kidneys contain numerous capillaries which filter waste products from the blood. These capillaries have tiny holes (filters), through which, waste products are excreted in the form of urine. Blood cells and protein are bigger than these holes and hence are not passed into the urine.

Increased blood sugar level causes damage to these pores, making them bigger. As a result, blood can also pass through. This causes damage to the glomeruli, filters of the kidney. With time, these filters start to leak and small amounts of essential proteins start to be expelled with urine (microalbuminuria). If left untreated, this condition causes an increase in microalbumin loss which is followed by end-stage-renal-disease (ESRD).

Later, this stress on the kidneys causes loss of filtering capacity. Waste products then accumulate in the blood, and finally, kidney failure occurs.

(Read More - Diabetic Gastroparesis treatment)

Karela Jamun Juice
₹494  ₹549  10% OFF
BUY NOW

Diagnosis of Diabetic Nephropathy

Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and take your medical history. You may then be advised a few tests including:

  • Blood tests to check the condition of the kidneys and assess its functioning
  • Urine tests to check the protein content in the urine. High level of a protein called microalbumin in the urine indicates an early stage of nephropathy
  • X-ray, MRI and CT scan to check the blood flow to the kidneys
  • Renal function test to check the filtering capacity
  • Kidney biopsy

(Read More - Homeopathic treatment for Diabetes)

Diabetic Nephropathy Treatment

 Medications are used in early stages of nephropathy:

In later stages, kidney transplant and dialysis may be advised.

(Read More - Diabetes Insipidus treatment)



References

  1. American diabetes association. Diabetic Nephropathy: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment. Virginia, United States. [internet].
  2. Andy KH Lim. Diabetic nephropathy – complications and treatment. Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis. 2014; 7: 361–381. PMID: 25342915
  3. Foggensteiner L, Mulroy S, Firth J. Management of diabetic nephropathy. J R Soc Med. 2001 May;94(5):210-7. PMID: 11385086
  4. British Medical Journal. Recent advances in diabetic nephropathy . BMJ Publishing Group. [internet].
  5. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Diabetic Kidney Problems

Doctors for Diabetic Nephropathy

Dr. Narayanan N K Dr. Narayanan N K Endocrinology
16 Years of Experience
Dr. Tanmay Bharani Dr. Tanmay Bharani Endocrinology
15 Years of Experience
Dr. Sunil Kumar Mishra Dr. Sunil Kumar Mishra Endocrinology
23 Years of Experience
Dr. Parjeet Kaur Dr. Parjeet Kaur Endocrinology
19 Years of Experience
Consult a Doctor

Medicines for Diabetic Nephropathy

Medicines listed below are available for Diabetic Nephropathy. Please note that you should not take any medicines without doctor consultation. Taking any medicine without doctor's consultation can cause serious problems.