Know the symptoms and risk factors of this diabetes complication

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Your kidneys contain tiny vessels that filter your blood. Diabetic nephropathy, or diabetic kidney disease, occurs when high blood sugar from diabetes increases your blood pressure and damages these vessels. This can decrease kidney function or cause kidney failure.

Symptoms of diabetic kidney disease may include:

  • Confusion or fatigue
  • Decreased appetite
  • Decreased need for insulin or diabetes medication
  • Foot, ankle, hand or eye swelling
  • Frequent urination
  • Itching
  • Nausea or vomiting

What are the risk factors for diabetic nephropathy?

This condition is a common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Your risk of developing it is increased by:

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Tests

If you have diabetes, your doctor may conduct a yearly urine test to determine how well your kidneys are functioning. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.

Treatments

Our heart and vascular teams work together and with other specialties to develop and implement individualized plans to treat diabetic nephropathy. This could include lifestyle modifications, medication or more advanced treatments.