Diabetic Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)

Nephropathy means your kidneys are not working well. The final stage of nephropathy is kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidneys filter blood, produce urine, control blood pressure, regulate blood chemicals, stimulate blood cell production, and perform other crucial physiologic functions. 

Diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, is the most common cause of kidney disease

There are five stages of diabetic nephropathy. The final stage is ESRD. Progress from one stage to the next can take many years.

Reducing risk of kidney disease when living with diabetes

Treatment and prevention

Nephrologists (kidney specialists) help people living with diabetes to take measures to protect their kidney function over time and to treat the various complications of kidney disease. Severe kidney disease may result in dialysis or a transplant. 

At the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence, Dr. Matthew Niemi works closely with endocrinologists, nutritionists, and other specialists, to provide comprehensive care for people with diabetic kidney disease.  

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Learn about UMass Memorial Health Nephrology