Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), also known as diabetic nephropathy, 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 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) do not have symptoms; with the condition typically being detected during regular kidney checks. If the level of urine protein leakage is high, the patient may begin to experience the following symptoms:
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.
English, Cantonese, Bahasa Indonesian, Bahasa Melayu, Hokkien
Dr Alvin Ng is a senior consultant nephrologist with over two decades of experience in kidney care. Prior to setting up his own practice, Dr Ng was the Director of Peritoneal Dialysis at Changi General Hospital and an 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.
