Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD, Diabetic Nephropathy) Treatment in Singapore
Dr Alvin Ng
Senior Consultant Nephrologist & Medical Director MBChB (Auckland), FRACP (Aus), FAMS (Renal Medicine)
What Is Diabetic Kidney Disease?
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), also known as diabetic nephropathy, is kidney damage caused by diabetes. High blood sugar and high blood pressure can damage the kidney's filtering units over time. In its early stages, diabetic kidney disease may not cause symptoms, and kidney function tests may still appear normal. This is because kidney function often only becomes abnormal after significant damage has already occurred.
Early detection is therefore important and can be done by checking for protein leakage in the urine, which is one of the earliest signs of kidney damage.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic-Kidney Disease (DKD)?
Most people with diabetic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy do not experience symptoms in the early stages. The condition is often detected during routine kidney screening, such as urine and blood tests. Symptoms tend to appear with progressive kidney damage, which often comes with increasing albumin/protein in the urine:
Possible Signs of DKD
Leg swelling Excessive bubbling in the urine Breathlessness Symptoms of Advanced DKD
Lethargy Loss of appetite Low blood sugar levels Poor concentration Lack of energy 
What Are the Risk Factors of Diabetic Nephropathy?
People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus are at risk of developing diabetic kidney disease. Up to 1 in 3 people with diabetes may develop this condition. The risk is higher in people with:
Poorly controlled blood sugar Poorly controlled blood pressure Excess body weight A smoking habit An inactive lifestyle A family history of kidney failure What Are the Treatment Options for Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD)?
Diabetic kidney disease treatment focuses on slowing kidney damage, protecting kidney function and reducing the risk of related complications.
This involves regular monitoring and maintaining optimal blood sugar levels, while also managing other conditions that can worsen kidney health, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Dr Alvin Ng 黄国雄医生
Senior Consultant Nephrologist and Medical Director
MBChB (Auckland), FRACP (Aus), FAMS (Renal Medicine)
Dr Alvin Ng is a senior consultant nephrologist with over two decades of experience in kidney care, including diabetic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy. Prior to setting up his own practice, Dr Ng was the Director of Peritoneal Dialysis at Changi General Hospital and executive committee member of the Singapore Society of Nephrology. He has held teaching appointments for medical students and residents, and is also a recipient of various service awards - a testament to the quality of care he provides.
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