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Understanding Diabetic Kidney Failure: A Silent Threat We Can Fight

  By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Nephrology & Renal Transplant, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi ✅ Diabetic Kidney Failure: A Long-Term Complication of Diabetes Diabetes is not just a condition of high blood sugar—it can silently damage vital organs over time. One of the most serious and often overlooked complications is diabetic kidney failure , also known as diabetic nephropathy . This progressive condition affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste, and in advanced stages, can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant . 🔍 What Happens in Diabetic Nephropathy? When blood sugar levels remain elevated over time, it damages the delicate filtering units of the kidneys—called glomeruli . This leads to: Decreased kidney function Proteinuria – the leaking of protein (especially albumin) into the urine Gradual development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) In severe cases, progression to kidney failure 🧭 Early Warning...

Early Signs of Kidney Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore

  By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Kidney disease is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it can progress for years without noticeable symptoms. However, your body does give subtle warning signs, especially in the early stages. Recognizing these signs can help you take proactive steps to protect your kidney health before irreversible damage occurs. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most common and early symptoms of kidney disease—especially those that are often overlooked. 1. Changes in Urination The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from the body through urine. When kidney function begins to decline, you may notice: Foamy or bubbly urine (a sign of protein leakage) Increased frequency , especially at night (nocturia) Decreased urine output or difficulty urinating Blood in the urine or unusually dark-colored urine These changes could signal early kidney dysfunction or infection and warrant medical attention. 2. Brain Fo...

10 Root Causes of Kidney Damage

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  10 Root Causes of Kidney Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee The kidneys are remarkable organs that work around the clock to filter waste, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, and support overall health. However, they are also vulnerable to damage from common lifestyle habits and underlying health conditions. Kidney disease often progresses silently until it's too late. That’s why recognizing the root causes of kidney damage is essential for prevention. Here are the 10 key causes of kidney damage that everyone should be aware of: 1. Fluid Loss and Dehydration Chronic dehydration can strain the kidneys. When your body doesn’t get enough water, the kidneys struggle to filter waste efficiently, which can lead to damage over time. Frequent episodes of dehydration—due to vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating—are particularly harmful. 2. Diabetes (Especially Type 2) Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). High blood sugar level...

Top 7 Kidney-Cleansing Fruits for Better Kidney Health & Wellness | Dr. ...

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By Dr. Mukherjee, Consultant Nephrologist Compassionate Kidney Care, Backed by Science 💬 Why Kidney Health Starts With What You Eat Your kidneys play a crucial role in filtering toxins, balancing fluids, and maintaining overall health. But when they’re overworked or under strain — due to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease (CKD) — your body may need a little extra support. One of the simplest and most effective ways to support kidney health? Food. Certain fruits are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and hydration-supporting nutrients that naturally assist the kidneys in their job. In this post, I’ll share the top fruits that support kidney cleansing and overall wellness — and why they work. 🍇 1. Cranberries Cranberries are a powerhouse when it comes to urinary tract health. They contain proanthocyanidins , compounds that prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract lining — reducing the risk of UT...

Why Do Patients with Kidney Failure Feel Tired After Hemodialysis?

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  Understanding Post-Dialysis Fatigue By Dr. Mukherjee, Consultant Nephrologist “Why do I feel so tired after dialysis?” — This is one of the most common questions I hear from my patients. Fatigue after hemodialysis is a very real and often distressing experience. It can impact a patient’s ability to work, socialize, or even perform daily tasks. While it's common, it’s not something to ignore . Understanding the causes can help manage it better and improve quality of life. Here are the main reasons patients feel exhausted after dialysis: 1. 💧 Excessive Fluid Removal During dialysis, large volumes of fluid may be removed from the body — sometimes rapidly. This sudden fluid shift can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure (hypotension) , resulting in: Dizziness Headaches Severe fatigue The more fluid removed, the more tired the patient may feel afterward. 2. 🩸 Anemia (Low Red Blood Cell Count) In kidney failure, the body produces less erythropoietin — a hormone...

10 Early Signs of Kidney Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore

   By Dr. Mukherjee, Consultant Nephrologist Kidneys are silent workers of our body — filtering waste, balancing fluids, regulating blood pressure, and supporting red blood cell production. But when they begin to fail, the early signs are often subtle, making kidney disease a “silent threat.” As a nephrologist, I often meet patients who come in at a later stage of kidney dysfunction, unaware that their body had been giving them warnings all along. In this article, I’ll walk you through the 10 early signs of kidney damage that everyone should know. 1. Fatigue and Weakness When kidneys don’t filter toxins effectively, waste builds up in the blood. This leads to a drop in red blood cell production, causing fatigue, weakness, and lack of energy — often dismissed as stress or age-related tiredness. 2. Swelling (Edema) One of the first visible signs of kidney dysfunction is swelling in the ankles, feet, hands, or around the eyes . This happens because the kidneys can’t el...

Muscle Symptoms of Kidney Disease: Early Signs Explained by Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee

Muscle Symptoms of Kidney Disease: Early Signs Explained by Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee 🧠 Muscle Symptoms of Kidney Disease: Expert Insights by Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Author: Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Specialization: Director – Nephrology, Max Hospital, Gurugram Published: June 25, 2025 Most people associate kidney disease with changes in urine or blood pressure — but did you know your muscles might be sending the first warning signs? 💡 Why Muscles Are Affected by Kidney Problems The kidneys regulate fluid and electrolytes, support vitamin D production, and remove waste. When kidney function declines, these systems are disrupted, often affecting your muscles first. ⚠️ Common Muscle Symptoms of Kidney Disease 1. Muscle Cramps: Usually in legs, caused by low calcium/magnesium or high phosphorus levels. 2. Muscle Weakness: Due to toxin buildup and reduced red blood cell production. 3. Rhabdomy...