Definition
Diabetes can progressively damage small blood vessels and kidney filters.
Symptoms
Usually silent initially; swelling and fatigue may develop later.
How it may be discovered
Urine albumin and kidney filtration testing during diabetes care.
When to seek care
Continue monitoring even without symptoms. Rapid deterioration or blood in urine can suggest another cause.
Investigations and tests
Urine albumin/creatinine ratio, creatinine, glucose and blood pressure, with confirmation of abnormal results.
Reaching a diagnosis
Diabetes history and trends support diagnosis; atypical findings warrant nephrology assessment.
Treatment options
Individual glucose and blood-pressure control, indicated kidney-protective medicines, smoking cessation and renal dose adjustment.
These kidney guides are educational. Medical kidney disease may require coordinated care with a nephrologist.
Explore this topic further
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