Etymed
diabetic nephropathy
Definition
A kidney disease caused by diabetes mellitus, characterized by damage to the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli) due to prolonged high blood glucose levels
Clinical context
A 58-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus presents with progressive fatigue and swelling in the legs over the past 6 months. Physical examination reveals hypertension and bilateral pitting edema. Laboratory studies show proteinuria and elevated serum creatinine. Fundoscopic examination demonstrates microaneurysms and hemorrhages in the retina. These findings are consistent with diabetic nephropathy, a common complication of long-standing diabetes.
Mnemonic
DIABETES = Diabetic Retinopathy, Impaired Renal Function, Bladder Dysfunction, Extremity Neuropathy, and Endothelial Damage