Conditions · Diabetes complications
Diabetic nephropathy / diabetic kidney disease
Diabetic kidney disease is kidney damage caused by long-term diabetes, identified through regular kidney function testing well before symptoms typically appear.
Symptoms
- Often no symptoms in early stages — this is why regular testing matters
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet in later stages
- Fatigue
- Foamy urine (a possible sign of protein in the urine)
Causes & risk factors
- Long-duration or poorly-controlled diabetes
- High blood pressure
- A family history of kidney disease
How it’s diagnosed
Diagnosis and staging rely on regular blood tests (estimated glomerular filtration rate) and urine testing (albumin-to-creatinine ratio), per KDIGO/ADA guidance.
How it’s treated
Management focuses on blood pressure and glucose control, medications shown to slow kidney disease progression where appropriate, and regular monitoring. Advanced kidney disease is coordinated with nephrology and partner facilities.
When to seek care
- New or worsening swelling in the legs or feet
- A significant, unexplained drop in urine output
- Symptoms of very high blood pressure
FAQ
Can diabetic kidney disease be caught early?
Yes — this is exactly what regular kidney function and urine testing are for, since early-stage kidney disease usually has no symptoms.
Sources
- KDIGO 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for Diabetes Management in Chronic Kidney Disease
- American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026
Medical disclaimer: Content on this page is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes vary between patients. Boston Diabetes Center is outpatient / day-care specialty centre with an on-site diagnostic lab and pharmacy — no inpatient beds; imaging and inpatient care are coordinated through partner facilities.