Tiếng Việt
Importantly, kidney damage may occur before a person notices any signs or symptoms. Regular kidney function monitoring and comprehensive management of risk factors therefore play an important role in protecting long-term kidney health.
How does diabetes damage the kidneys?
The kidneys filter the blood and remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. Each kidney contains millions of filtering units called glomeruli, which consist of networks of tiny blood vessels.
Persistent high blood sugar, together with factors such as high blood pressure and other metabolic disorders, can damage these structures over time. As kidney function declines, albumin, a type of protein normally found in the blood, may begin to appear in the urine.
Albuminuria can be an early sign of kidney damage, even when the glomerular filtration rate remains within the normal range.
If not detected and appropriately managed, kidney damage may progress to chronic kidney disease, worsening kidney function and, in severe cases, end-stage kidney disease requiring kidney replacement therapy such as dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Who is at higher risk?
Not everyone with diabetes will develop kidney disease. However, the risk of kidney damage and progression to chronic kidney disease increases when one or more of the following factors are present:
- Poor blood glucose control
- High blood pressure or blood pressure that is not adequately controlled
- Albuminuria or existing chronic kidney disease
- Dyslipidemia
- Overweight or obesity
- Smoking
- Long duration of diabetes
- Older age
- A family history of kidney disease or diabetes
In particular, poorly controlled blood glucose and blood pressure can simultaneously increase the risk of kidney damage and cardiovascular complications.
What are the symptoms of diabetic kidney disease?
In its early stages, diabetic kidney disease often causes no obvious symptoms. Patients may feel completely well even when kidney damage has already begun.
- As kidney function declines, some symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting
- Swelling of the legs, ankles or around the eyes
- Reduced urine output or changes in urination habits
- Muscle cramps
- Itchy skin
However, these symptoms are not specific to diabetic kidney disease and may also occur in many other conditions.
Therefore, it is important not to wait until symptoms appear before having your kidney function checked.
How can kidney damage be detected early?
Because the condition often progresses silently, people with diabetes should have their kidney function monitored regularly, even if they do not have any symptoms.
Two important tests include:
- Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR)
This test helps detect and monitor albuminuria, an important marker of kidney damage.
- Blood Creatinine and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
These tests help assess the kidneys’ filtering capacity and monitor changes in kidney function over time.
In addition, doctors may also assess:
Blood pressure
- Blood glucose and HbA1c
- Blood lipid levels
- Body weight and nutritional status
- Cardiovascular risk factors and other diabetes-related complications
According to current recommendations, people with type 2 diabetes should have their UACR and eGFR assessed at least once a year, even in the absence of signs of kidney disease. For people with type 1 diabetes, screening is generally initiated around five years after diagnosis, depending on the individual clinical situation.
Be proactive. Check early. Protect your kidneys.
If you have diabetes, do not wait until symptoms appear before checking your kidney function.
Good control of blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body weight and other risk factors, together with regular monitoring of UACR and eGFR, are important steps in protecting both kidney and cardiovascular health in the long term.
At Hanoi French Hospital (HFH), patients with diabetes benefit from a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists in Endocrinology, Cardiology, Urology, Ophthalmology, Nutrition and other relevant specialties.
The goal is to comprehensively assess and manage risk factors, detect complications early and develop an individualized treatment strategy tailored to each patient.
HFH’s modern laboratory and diagnostic systems support close monitoring of metabolic indicators, early assessment of complication risks and the optimization of long-term treatment outcomes, helping patients achieve better disease control and maintain a sustainable quality of life.
For more information or to book an appointment with an Endocrinologist, please contact our HOTLINE: 024 35771100, send us a message via the “Hanoi French Hospital” Fanpage, or connect with us via WhatsApp +84 903 497 078.
