Patients suffering from diabetes with high blood sugar levels are at risk of developing kidney diseases. Studies published in PUBMED indicate that diabetes is a cause of kidney damage, which in medical terminology is called diabetic nephropathy.
What is diabetic nephropathy?
This is a disease that develops gradually and negatively affects kidney function. Although symptoms usually appear in the late stages of the disease, they include swelling, changes in urination patterns, nausea, and fatigue. However, most people with diabetes tend to ignore these signs.
Risks and Mechanism of Development
Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common causes of kidney failure worldwide. According to data, 4 out of every 10 people with diabetes may develop this condition. Experts note that each kidney contains over a million nephrons, which are responsible for filtering blood and maintaining water balance in the body. Excess glucose in the blood can damage the glomeruli—the first part of the nephron responsible for filtration—as well as other parts of the nephron, leading to impaired kidney function.