DKD in medical terms stands for Diabetic Kidney Disease.
Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD), also sometimes referred to as diabetic nephropathy, is a kidney disease that develops as a consequence of diabetes. The term "nephropathy" indicates that the kidneys are not functioning as they should. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are common underlying causes of DKD. In essence, prolonged high blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage the delicate filtering units (nephrons) in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function.
Here's a breakdown of key aspects of DKD:
- Cause: Primarily caused by long-term diabetes, where elevated blood sugar damages the kidneys.
- Mechanism: High blood sugar damages the nephrons, leading to protein leakage into the urine (proteinuria) and decreased kidney function.
- Symptoms: Often develops silently in the early stages. Later symptoms may include:
- Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
- Edema (swelling, especially in the legs and feet)
- High blood pressure
- Decreased kidney function (detected through blood tests)
- Diagnosis:
- Urine tests to check for protein (albuminuria).
- Blood tests to measure kidney function (e.g., estimated glomerular filtration rate or eGFR).
- Medical history and physical examination.
- Treatment:
- Strict blood sugar control.
- Blood pressure management, often with ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
- Dietary modifications (e.g., limiting protein and sodium intake).
- Medications to protect the kidneys.
- In advanced stages, dialysis or kidney transplant may be necessary.
- Prevention:
- Maintain optimal blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication.
- Control blood pressure.
- Regular kidney function monitoring, especially for individuals with diabetes.
Diabetic kidney disease is a serious complication of diabetes, but with early detection, appropriate management, and lifestyle modifications, its progression can be slowed or even halted.
