Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a condition where the high blood sugar levels cause damage to the filtering system of the kidneys. High blood pressure can cause further kidney damage. This condition can be detected early by checking for urine protein leak, as only after 50% of the kidneys is damaged before the kidney function test is abnormal.
Most people with DKD do not have symptoms. The only way to know is to have your kidneys checked regularly. If the level of urine protein leakage is high, then the patient will experience leg swelling, excessing bubbling in the urine, or breathlessness. When the level of kidney function deteriorates further, besides the above symptoms, the patient may experience lethargy, lack in appetite, low blood sugar levels, poor concentration, lack of energy or even changes in skin colour.
People with both type I and type 2 diabetes mellitus are at risk of DKD. Up to 1 in 3 diabetics will have DKD. The risk is higher if the patient has uncontrolled high blood sugar, uncontrolled high blood pressure, is overweight, a smoker, not active and have a family history of kidney failure.
Monitoring and maintaining of optimum level of blood sugar along with treatment of other conditions, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Reach out to us for a consultation with Dr Alvin Ng.
