What are the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy?

Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
Updated on June 21, 2025
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Kidney disease caused by diabetes is called diabetic nephropathy. In the early stages, patients may not have any noticeable discomfort, while some may experience soreness and discomfort in the lower back. However, as diabetic nephropathy progresses, with further increase in urinary protein, patients will see more foam in their urine and may also experience swelling of the eyelids and lower limbs. Once diabetic nephropathy progresses to the stage of uremia, patients will exhibit symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, general weakness, loss of appetite, increased frequency of urination at night, significant increase in blood pressure, and reduced urine output. Additionally, symptoms of anemia may also occur. Therefore, diabetic nephropathy must be given adequate attention to prevent the onset of uremia.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
1min 5sec home-news-image

How should diabetic nephropathy patients drink water?

For any kidney disease, regardless of whether it is caused by diabetes or not, the patient's water intake needs to be carefully considered. Generally, a few key points should be adhered to: First, there should be no excess accumulation of water in the patient's body. The water intake should be excreted normally through the kidneys without accumulating too much water, as excessive accumulation can increase blood pressure and even lead to pulmonary edema or heart failure. Second, if the patient's urine output decreases, water intake should be limited but not excessively, to avoid affecting the blood supply to the kidneys. Ideally, urine output should be maintained between 1000 to 2500 milliliters. Water intake should depend on urine output; if urine output is high, the patient can drink more water, but if it is low, intake should be appropriately restricted. It's necessary to weigh oneself daily to monitor changes in weight; if a large amount of water accumulates, weight will gradually increase, and at this time, water intake should be restricted.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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How to reduce proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy

One major characteristic of patients with diabetic nephropathy is the increase in urine protein, and some patients may even have a large amount of urine protein. The treatment of this disease is indeed quite challenging, and there are not many effective treatments available clinically. In the early stages, when the patient's serum creatinine has not exceeded 256 µmol/L, clinicians often choose ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to reduce the pressure within the glomerulus and decrease urine protein. At the same time, it is recommended for patients to use insulin to control blood sugar. However, in recent years, there has been some progress in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, such as the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, which may help reduce urine protein. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a clinician, based on the specific condition of the patient.)

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
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What should I do if diabetic nephropathy causes facial swelling?

Diabetic nephropathy with facial swelling is generally due to too much protein in the urine and too little protein in the blood, causing hypoalbuminemia, which leads to edema. There are several methods to control diabetic nephropathy: First, blood sugar and blood pressure must be strictly controlled within a normal range. Blood pressure control should be even stricter for those with diabetic nephropathy, generally kept below 130/80. Second, in terms of diet, it is crucial to avoid or limit intake of bean-based foods and consume high-quality proteins instead. High-quality proteins include commonly known meats, eggs, and fish. Third, it is essential to limit or avoid the use of medications that can damage the kidneys. Fourth, if diabetic nephropathy causes general body edema, intermittent use of diuretic medications can help alleviate the swelling, along with nephroprotective medications. The final method for severe kidney disease involves early intervention with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
52sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy?

Kidney disease caused by diabetes is called diabetic nephropathy. In the early stages, patients may not have any noticeable discomfort, while some may experience soreness and discomfort in the lower back. However, as diabetic nephropathy progresses, with further increase in urinary protein, patients will see more foam in their urine and may also experience swelling of the eyelids and lower limbs. Once diabetic nephropathy progresses to the stage of uremia, patients will exhibit symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, general weakness, loss of appetite, increased frequency of urination at night, significant increase in blood pressure, and reduced urine output. Additionally, symptoms of anemia may also occur. Therefore, diabetic nephropathy must be given adequate attention to prevent the onset of uremia.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
1min 1sec home-news-image

How to reduce proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy.

A major clinical feature of diabetic nephropathy is the occurrence of proteinuria, which, if the condition continues to progress, can lead to kidney failure. Controlling proteinuria in the early stages of the disease is indeed very important. In terms of treatment, it is primarily necessary to use medications or insulin to control the patient's blood sugar, as hyperglycemia is the fundamental cause of diabetic nephropathy. Additionally, these patients often also have hypertension, necessitating the use of antihypertensive drugs to control blood pressure. When the patient's kidney function is not severely impaired, ACE inhibitors or ARBs can be the preferred choice of antihypertensive drugs, as they not only control blood pressure but also reduce proteinuria. However, if the patient's serum creatinine is significantly elevated, such as over 264 µmol/L, these drugs should no longer be used. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)