Health's Book

Definition

Diabetic nephropathy is kidney disease or damage that results as a complication of diabetes.

See also:

* Type 1 diabetes
* Type 2 diabetes
* Risk factors for diabetes
* Chronic kidney disease

Symptoms

Early stage diabetic nephropathy has no symptoms. Over time, the kidney's ability to function starts to decline. Symptoms develop late in the disease and may include:

* Fatigue
* Foamy appearance or excessive frothing of the urine
* Frequent hiccups
* General ill feeling
* Generalized itching
* Headache
* Nausea and vomiting
* Poor appetite
* Swelling of the legs
* Swelling, usually around the eyes in the mornings; general body swelling may occur with late-stage disease
* Unintentional weight gain (from fluid buildup)