Diabetic

Diabetic kidney disease, also known as diabetic nephropathy, is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus that affects the kidneys. Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, which over time can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and impair their ability to filter waste products and fluids from the body. This damage can lead to kidney failure if not managed effectively.

Causes and Risk Factors: Diabetic kidney disease develops due to prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels and other factors:

Type 1 Diabetes: Usually develops in childhood or adolescence and requires insulin therapy for management.
Type 2 Diabetes: More common in adults and often associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyle.
Genetic Factors: Family history of diabetes increases the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy.

Poor Blood Glucose Control: Inadequate management of blood sugar levels accelerates kidney damage.
High Blood Pressure: Hypertension further stresses the kidneys and accelerates kidney damage in people with diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetic Kidney Disease: In the early stages, diabetic nephropathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. As kidney function declines, symptoms may include:

Foamy or Bloody Urine: Due to proteinuria (excess protein in the urine) or hematuria (blood in the urine).
Swelling: Particularly in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes (edema).
Fatigue: Due to anemia resulting from impaired kidney function.
Increased Urination: Especially at night (nocturia) as the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine.
High Blood Pressure: Persistently elevated blood pressure readings.