Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy) Care at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide and is a major contributor to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diabetic kidney disease, also known as diabetic nephropathy, represents the progressive damage to the kidneys of a person with diabetes.

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi provides world-class care for patients with diabetic nephropathy, supported by its specialised team of nephrologists and healthcare professionals.

What is Diabetic Kidney Disease?

Diabetic kidney disease occurs when the small blood vessels in the kidneys (the glomerular capillaries) are damaged by prolonged elevated blood glucose levels. This damage impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood, leading to their accumulation in the body.

Symptoms

• Swelling of the feet, ankles, and face
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Changes in urine volume
• Presence of blood in the urine
• High blood pressure

Risk Factors

Uncontrolled diabetes is among the most important risk factors for diabetic kidney disease. Other risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Obesity
• High cholesterol levels
• Family history of kidney disease
• Advancing age

Diagnosis

Diabetic kidney disease is diagnosed through urine and blood testing. Urine tests can detect protein or blood in the urine, while blood tests may indicate a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Treatment

Although there is no cure for diabetic kidney disease, its progression can be slowed by following these treatment measures:

• Control of blood glucose levels
• Lowering blood pressure
• Management of cholesterol levels
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Smoking cessation
• Lifestyle modification
• Medications

Diabetic Kidney Disease Care at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City

The Nephrology Department at SSMC provides comprehensive care for patients with diabetic nephropathy, including:

• Diagnostic evaluation
• Development of a personalised treatment plan
• Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies
• Monitoring of blood glucose and blood pressure
• Health education
• Psychological support
• Renal replacement therapies such as dialysis and kidney transplantation

Prevention

Diabetic kidney disease can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes:

• Keeping blood glucose levels under control
• Maintaining blood pressure within target range
• Keeping a healthy weight
• Regular physical activity
• Following a healthy diet
• Smoking cessation
• Regular kidney screening

Diabetic Kidney Disease Care at SSMC

Diabetic kidney disease is a serious complication of diabetes, but with appropriate treatment, it can be controlled and its progression slowed. Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City’s specialised team of nephrologists and healthcare professionals ensure world-class care for patients.