Diabetic Nephropathy : Diagnosis and Treatment

If you have diabetes, your doctor will recommend regular check-ups. Doing retinal examination and urine protein estimation helps to screen for diabetes complications.

Performing urine and blood tests help to check for proof of Diabetic Nephropathy and the functioning of kidneys:

• Urine Tests

Testing urine samples helps in identifying a protein called Albumin. The amount of albumin found in the urine indicates the amount of damage to your kidneys.

1. Tiny amounts show the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy or early-stage diabetic nephropathy.
2. Larger amounts state advanced diabetic nephropathy. It may be affecting the kidney’s ability to filter wastes.

• Blood examination

Measuring creatinine levels can help in calculating your estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). The eGFR gives a sign of how well the kidneys are working to filter waste products from your blood. Alterations in the creatinine mean considerable damage has already occurred in the kidneys.

It is usually recommended that people with diabetes have blood and urine tests at least once a year to check on kidney function.

Treatment:

Early detection and treatment of diabetic nephropathy, helps. It can stop the progression in early stages and can actually reverse it.

1. Treatment involves adequate control of diabetes and blood pressure.
2. Healthy diet and exercise is an important therapeutic option.
3. It is important to consult your Endocrinologist and Dietician for healthy diet options and plans.
4. In advanced kidney disease, restricted protein intake is recommended. A Kidney Specialist may provide further treatment options for your diabetic kidney disease.

Prevention:

The following measures can help reduce your risk of developing diabetic kidney disease or delay its onset –

1. Make sure your blood glucose levels and blood pressure are well controlled.
2. Stop smoking.
3. Maintain a healthy weight.
4. Control your cholesterol levels.
5. Have a kidney health check (Urine test for proteins and blood creatinine) at least once a year to check how well your kidneys are functioning.

Dr. Kranti Shreesh Khadilkar | Assistant Professor – Endocrinology | Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Bommasandra, Bangalore