WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is diabetic kidney disease? Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the gradual and permanent loss of kidney function. This occurs because of kidney damage caused by high blood sugar levels. Normally, the kidneys remove fluid, chemicals, and waste from your blood. These wastes are turned into urine by your kidneys. When you have DKD, your kidneys do not function properly. What are the signs and symptoms of DKD? Your signs and symptoms will depend on how well your kidneys work. You may not have any symptoms, or you may have any of the following: - Changes in how often you need to urinate
- Ankle and leg swelling
- Fatigue or weakness
- Itching
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
How is DKD diagnosed? Blood and urine tests will show how well your kidneys are working. A biopsy may be done to make sure there are no other causes of your kidney disease. A biopsy is a procedure to remove and test a small piece of tissue from your kidney. How is DKD treated? The goals of treatment are to control your symptoms and prevent your DKD from getting worse. You may need any of the following: - Medicines may be given to decrease blood pressure and get rid of extra fluid. Blood pressure medicines can help to slow down the loss of kidney function.
- Dialysis is a treatment that may be needed to remove chemicals and waste from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do this.
- Surgery may be needed to create an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in your arm or insert a catheter into your abdomen or chest. This is done so you can receive dialysis.
- A kidney transplant may be done if your DKD becomes severe.
How is DKD managed? - Control your blood sugar levels. If you use insulin or take diabetes medicine, take these as directed. Follow the meal and exercise plan recommended by your healthcare provider. Check your blood sugar levels every day, as often as your healthcare provider has recommended. Your healthcare provider may want you to have your A1c checked every 3 to 6 months. Most people should keep their A1c at or below 7%.
- Follow your meal plan as directed. You may need to eat only a certain amount of protein at each meal. Work with your dietitian to develop a meal plan that is right for you.
- Control your blood pressure. Decrease sodium (salt) in your diet to help control your blood pressure. Weight loss and regular physical activity can also help to decrease your blood pressure. Other things you can do to help decrease blood pressure include avoiding alcohol and quitting smoking, if you smoke.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about over-the-counter (OTC) medicines you should avoid. Some OTC medicines, such as ibuprofen, can damage your kidneys.
Call 911 for any of the following: - You have a seizure.
- You have sudden chest pain or shortness of breath.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your heart is beating faster than normal for you.
- You are confused and very drowsy.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You suddenly gain or lose more weight than your healthcare provider has told you is okay.
- You have itchy skin or a rash.
- You have nausea and repeated vomiting.
- You have fatigue or muscle weakness.
- You have an increased need to urinate, burning or pain when you urinate, blood in your urine, or strong odor to your urine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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