What are the early and late signs of diabetic nephropathy?

In this article below, esteemed endocrinology and diabetes consultant physician, Dr Dipesh Patel, discusses diabetic nephropathy, kidney disease, and heart disease, and how they are all linked.

What is diabetic nephropathy?

It is the process by which the diabetes of the patient affects the kidney. There are early stages of kidney disease that we cannot detect and there are later stages that we can detect. The problem with diabetic nephropathy is that over time, it makes the kidneys leak.

This leakage can be toxic and can seriously affect kidney function. In many cases, this leads to kidney failure and the need for dialysis.

What are the early and late signs of diabetic nephropathy?

The early stages involve increased pressure in the filter of the kidney. We can then detect small amounts of protein leakage in the kidneys. It is important for people with diabetes to have this checked at least twice a year.

Another sign is reduced kidney function, which can be detected on a routine blood test. This should be checked in a patient’s annual review of their diabetes management.

How does an endocrinologist treat kidney disease?

We need to look at blood pressure control. We also need to look at diabetes and weight management control. Lowering cholesterol is also important. There are some new medications available that can slow down the decline of kidney function.

Are heart disease and kidney disease related in patients with diabetes?

Lots of patients who develop diabetes go on to develop both heart and kidney disease. Unfortunately, the process of which diabetes affects the organs in the body is the same as how heart and kidney disease affect the body.

Is heart disease more common in people with diabetes?

Heart disease is unfortunately more common in people with both types of diabetes. It is at least two and a half times more common.

What can be done to prevent heart disease and detect it earlier?

To prevent heart disease, we need to control blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, and diabetes. There are a number of drugs we can use to do this effectively.

Are there treatments for diabetes that can help prevent heart disease?

There are three main treatments (glucose-lowering treatments) that can help prevent heart disease. Metformin is an effective drug. A gut hormone drug called GLP1 is also highly effective when preventing cardiovascular disease. The other major advancement is a tablet that allows the kidney to release glucose, which is helpful when preventing heart failure.

To schedule an appointment today with Dr Dipesh Patel, simply head on over to his Top Doctors profile.