What is Diabetic Kidney Disease?

High blood sugar damages the tiny filters in your kidneys (glomeruli). Over time, they leak protein (albumin) into the urine and eventually fail.

Stages:

• Stage 1-2: Kidney damage, but function is normal. Albumin may show up in urine (Microalbuminuria).
• Stage 3: Moderate decline in kidney function (GFR 30-59).
• Stage 4: Severe decline (GFR 15-29).
• Stage 5 (End-Stage Renal Disease): Kidneys have failed; dialysis or transplant is needed.

Symptoms:

Early kidney disease has NO symptoms. That is why annual screening (urine albumin and blood creatinine) is critical for every person with diabetes.

• Later stages: Swelling (legs, face), fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite.

Treatment:

• Control Blood Sugar & Blood Pressure: These are the two biggest drivers of kidney damage.
• ACE Inhibitors or ARBs: Blood pressure meds that specifically protect the kidneys.
• SGLT2 Inhibitors: Jardiance, Farxiga. These diabetes medications dramatically slow progression.
• GLP-1 Agonists: Ozempic, Trulicity also protect kidneys.
• Low-Protein Diet: Reduces kidney workload.