Diabetic nephropathy is a serious kidney-related complication of diabetes that results from long-term high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, become damaged due to prolonged exposure to elevated glucose levels. Over time, this damage can impair the kidneys' ability to function, leading to kidney failure if not managed appropriately.
Pathophysiology:
In diabetic nephropathy, high blood sugar levels can cause the blood vessels in the kidneys to thicken and become scarred, particularly in the small blood vessels (glomeruli) responsible for filtering waste. The damaged blood vessels leak proteins, especially albumin, into the urine—a condition known as albuminuria. As the disease progresses, the kidneys' filtration capacity deteriorates, and waste products build up in the blood, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and, eventually, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.