Diabetic nephropathy is a complication of diabetes that causes kidney disease and damage. In diabetics, nephrons, the filtering structures that make up kidneys, slowly scar and thicken over time. This results in kidney leakage and albumin (a protein) to pass into the urine. Often, the damage happens 5 to 10 years before any symptoms present.
Patients with advanced nephropathy may experience the following symptoms:
- Chronic feeling of illness and fatigue
- Poor apatite
- Swelling in the legs
- Headaches
- Nausea and Vomiting
Recent studies have looked at the role of oxidative stress in the progression of kidney impairment and diabetic nephropathy. Researchers found that glutathione (GSH) significantly suppressed one of the markers of oxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy patients. Scientists conclude that GSH supplementation treatment can potentially be used to reduce diabetic complications in nephropathy patients.