The kidney’s basic function is to filter out waste products from the blood. Diabetes is a state of prolonged elevated blood sugar- known as hyperglycemia. Over time, this hyperglycemia results in damage to tiny blood vessels of the kidney (basic unit- the nephron). When the blood vessels in the kidneys are injured, the kidneys are unable to do their usual work of removing waste from the blood and returning the cleaned blood back to the body. The kidney’s inability to clean blood leads to more water and salt being retained in the body and build-up of waste materials occurs in the blood.

People who have had diabetes for longer durations will be at a higher risk of developing diabetic kidney disease. Approximately, 20- 30 % of patients will develop diabetes nephropathy. Diabetes is also associated with increased development of other kidney problems:

• Narrowing of the arteries to the kidneys leading to kidney failure
• Difficulty in emptying the bladder as a result of damage to the nerves where the pressure resulting from a full bladder can back up and injure the kidneys.
• If urine remains in the bladder for a long time a kidney infection could develop.

Risk factors to Kidney complications

Some proven risk factors to kidney disease include:

• Uncontrolled high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Being a smoker
• High blood cholesterol
• A family history of diabetes and kidney disease

Symptoms of Kidney disease

The early stages of diabetic kidney disease have almost no symptoms. The first sign is the presence of protein in the urine that can only be picked during routine screening by the doctor. Thus, it’s important to have annual lab tests plus urine tests to detect any signs of kidney disease.

In the later stages, the signs and symptoms include:

• Protein in the urine
• Pain around the flanks
• Swelling of feet, ankles, hands or eyes
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea and/or Vomiting
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Shortness of breath

Prevention of kidney complications:

The good news is kidney disease can be prevented by good control of diabetes and blood pressure. Proven strategies to reduce the risk of developing diabetic kidney disease include:

• Control of blood sugar via a healthy lifestyle
• Control of blood pressure
• Avoiding Alcohol and Smoking
• Regular annual check with a qualified doctor.