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Diabetic Kidney Disease

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

What is diabetic kidney disease (DKD)?

DKD is the gradual and permanent loss of kidney function. This occurs because of kidney damage caused by high blood sugar levels. Normally, the kidneys remove fluid, chemicals, and waste from your blood. These wastes are turned into urine by your kidneys. When you have DKD, your kidneys do not function properly.

What are the signs and symptoms of DKD?

Your signs and symptoms will depend on how well your kidneys work. You may have any of the following:

How is DKD diagnosed?

Blood and urine tests will show how well your kidneys are working. A biopsy may be done to make sure there are no other causes of your kidney disease. A biopsy is a procedure to remove and test a small piece of tissue from your kidney.

How is DKD treated?

The goals of treatment are to control your symptoms and prevent your DKD from getting worse. You may need any of the following:

Treatment options

The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

What can I do to manage DKD?

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

When should I seek immediate care?

When should I call my diabetes care team provider?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.