KIDNEY DISEASE, DIABETIC

TYPES

SYMPTOMS

During the early stages of diabetic nephropathy, you may not see any signs. In the later stages, the signs and symptoms will include:

• Worsening blood pressure
• Protein in your urine
• Swelling of feet, lower legs, hands or area around the eyes
• Excessive need to urinate
• Confusion or trouble concentrating
• Gradual loss of appetite
• Persistent tingling
• Fatigue

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will get some information about your signs and symptoms, order some tests, and get some information about your medical history.

To come up a diagnosis, if you have diabetic kidney disease, you may require certain tests such as the following:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Imaging tests
• Renal function testing
• Kidney biopsy

TREATMENT

The initial phase in treating diabetic nephropathy is treating your diabetes and, if necessary, your hypertension.

In the beginning stages of the disease, your treatment plan may include different drugs, such as those that:

• Control hypertension
• Manage glucose levels
• Lower elevated cholesterol
• Control protein in urine

After treatment, your doctor may suggest follow-up testing at standard intervals to see whether your kidney disease stays stable or progresses.