Understanding Diabetic Nephropathy and Its Effects

Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is a condition that is characterized by kidney damage, and often diagnosed by high levels of protein in the urine. Not everyone with diabetes will develop this condition, but those who do will need to follow the proper treatment plan carefully to keep blood sugars under control. Kidney transplant may be needed when the condition is undiagnosed for an extended period of time.

Identifying Symptoms

Those suffering from diabetic nephropathy usually experience some symptoms from the condition. The beginning stages of the disease are usually unnoticeable. The kidneys work to filter proteins and other particles from the blood through small bundles of blood vessels, which can become damaged when blood sugar levels are too high. Over time, the blood vessels won’t work and toxins and proteins aren’t eliminated or absorbed by the body properly, allowing protein to enter the urine.

After the kidneys stop being able to filter the blood properly, you will begin to notice symptoms rather quickly. Common symptoms can include headaches, fatigue and swelling in the legs. Other symptoms can also include itching and poor appetite or a general feeling of unwellness. Fortunately, most people diagnosed with diabetes have frequent urine testing to ensure the kidneys are processing proteins properly.

Treatment Options

For those diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy seeking treatment for the condition is vital. If you are suffering from high blood pressure as a side effect of the disease, then your physician will begin prescribing medications to control your blood pressure. You will also need to keep your blood sugars well controlled to prevent further damage to the kidneys. Early diagnosis and treatment can ensure your kidneys are protected from extensive damage.

Patients with advanced or more severe diabetic nephropathy may need to eliminate foods containing protein from the diet. By limiting the amount of protein in the diet, the kidneys will need to work less to filter the blood. For very severe cases, kidney transplant and dialysis may be needed to filter the blood normally. Only those with very serious kidney damage will need to consider dialysis or kidney transplant as a treatment option.

Long Term Treatment

Diabetic nephropathy is a long term, chronic illness that will need to be treated for the remainder of the life. With the proper medications and treatments, patients with early diagnosed diabetic nephropathy can live a normal life. Controlling blood sugars and testing for protein in the urine early in diabetes is key to identifying the disease as quickly and possible.

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