Excessive sugar levels can lead to several health complications. One of these significant disorders is diabetic nephropathy, which is a kidney disease. It is a debilitating condition that slowly affects the kidney’s function over time. According to the CDC, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 3 people with diabetes develop poor signs of kidney disease due to excessive sugar. Here are a few things one needs to know about the various diabetic nephropathy symptoms.

Signs of kidney disease due to excessive sugar
Diabetic nephropathy advances in stages according to a person’s estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which evaluates the kidney’s efficiency in filtering substances in the body. The normal eGFR value is approximately 100, and it decreases as kidney function declines.

During the early phase of diabetic nephropathy, the eGFR level typically falls between 60 and 90. There are no observable symptoms at this point, and the kidney continues to function adequately, even if it is slightly damaged. However, if the eGFR level drops below 60, it may indicate poor kidney health due to high blood sugar levels.

Changes in the frequency and amount of urination
Normally, the kidneys filter blood and produce urine. However, high blood sugar levels can cause a loss of kidney function over time. This can result in changes in urination frequency and amount, including the need to urinate more often. Additionally, there may be blood in the urine, or the urine may appear foamy or bubbly, which may indicate the presence of protein due to kidney damage.

Experiencing consistent fatigue
Healthy kidneys filter the blood to help the body eliminate toxins and other substances that affect overall health. With excessive sugar affecting kidney function, there is a consistent buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. This can prevent the flow of essential nutrients, oxygen, and water to the various organs, resulting in decreased energy levels and persistent fatigue.

Persistent itching
This symptom occurs due to two reasons. One reason is the high levels of phosphorus in the body caused by the body’s inability to excrete the excess phosphorus due to kidney damage. The extra phosphorus in the blood combines with calcium leading to persistent itching. Another reason is the high levels of cytokines circulating in the body. 

Cytokines are substances that cause inflammation and are processed by the kidney. If the kidney is not functioning properly due to conditions like diabetic nephropathy, excess cytokines can trigger the immune system, resulting in persistent itching sensations.

Swelling in the hands, legs, or feet
With the kidneys unable to function optimally due to excess sugar levels in the blood, extra fluid and sodium accumulate in the cells of the body. Under normal healthy circumstances, these extra fluids and sodium would have been expelled from the body through the kidney. However, since the kidney malfunctions, these are retained within the body. This causes edema or swelling of the extremities, such as the hands, feet, and legs.

Shortness of breath
The extra fluid not only accumulates in the cells of the body but also builds up in the lungs. Furthermore, the damage to the kidney may cause anemia, which leads to low production of red blood cells. Since these cells carry oxygen to the different organs, the low production causes low oxygen levels. Thus, the excess fluids in the lungs and anemia contribute to the frequent feeling of breathlessness.

Loss of appetite
The impaired kidney function causes toxin buildup in the body. This can lead to the accumulation of certain compounds in the bloodstream during the early and middle stages of diabetic nephropathy. These compounds can affect a person’s appetite, causing it to be suppressed. Additionally, a person’s sense of taste may weaken, making most foods taste slightly metallic. These factors can make it difficult for a person to eat full and complete meals.

Puffiness around the eyes
If one’s kidneys do not function well, they may not be able to hold on to vital proteins, which will then be lost through urine. This can cause a decrease in protein levels in one’s body and lead to swelling around the eyes. This swelling is a recognizable sign of kidney disease, which can be caused by consuming too much sugar.

If one has diabetes, the most effective way to lower the chances of developing diabetic nephropathy is to properly control blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Making lifestyle changes like eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, monitoring blood glucose levels consistently, and following the doctor’s recommended treatment plan will assist an individual in managing this condition effectively.