CKD Module 7
The American Nephrology Nurses' Association (ANNA) 22
Diabetic Kidney Disease
Accelerated when:
• Blood pressure is uncontrolled
• Proteinuria is uncontrolled
• Blood glucose levels are uncontrolled
Diabetes is a devastating, systemic disease. CKD is one of a myriad of diseases that
can result from diabetes. During the course of the diabetic’s lifetime, the disease
does untold damage to the vascular bed. Thus, long-term diabetics suffer from
peripheral vascular disorders. Twenty-five years into the disease, it is not
uncommon for the patient to have severe retinal damage and become blind.
Peripheral neuropathy causes frequent problems with severe pain and discomfort.
Peripheral neuropathy often results in injuries that frequently require amputation.
Strokes and cardiovascular insults are common in the diabetic patient population,
and frequently, the cause of death for the patient with diabetes. Control of blood
pressure, proteinuria, and blood glucose are beneficial in slowing the progression of
CKD and all complications related to diabetes.