Diabetes-related kidney disease can worsen and lead to failure. You may experience many different symptoms, including lower back pain, fatigue, and nausea or vomiting.

If you have kidney disease, it’s important to monitor your symptoms. Some symptoms can indicate that your kidney disease may be progressing.

Noticing new or unusual symptoms, tracking the evolution of current symptoms, and sharing that information with your doctor is essential to creating a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

If you’re concerned that your kidney disease may be getting worse, here’s everything you need to know about symptoms to look for, secondary conditions to be aware of, and ways to track your symptoms so you can partner with your doctor to effectively manage your condition.

People who have been diagnosed with kidney disease have kidneys that are damaged and don’t filter blood properly, which can have a number of health consequences.

Properly functioning kidneys are important for removing waste, controlling blood pressure, keeping your bones healthy, and regulating electrolytes.

Kidney disease that becomes progressively worse is known as chronic kidney disease.

Diabetes is the leading causeTrusted Source of kidney failure, which means people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who have also been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease should be extra vigilant about tracking symptoms.

Kidney disease 101

Kidney disease has 5 stages that lead to kidney failure:

Early stages (1-3): Your kidneys can still filter waste out of your blood in these stages. You may notice symptoms as CKD advances.

Later stages (4–5): Your kidneys are working harder to filter your blood or not be able to appropriately remove waste from your body. Symptoms may be more apparent. You might also experience complications, including anemia or acidic blood.

Kidney failure: The most serious outcome of kidney disease develops when kidneys are only working at 15% capacityTrusted Source or lower.

Worsening kidney disease can bring many different symptomsTrusted Source. These may be gradual or come on quickly.

Here’s what to look out for:

  • lower back pain or flank pain
  • fatigue or weakness
  • swelling, especially in your hands or feet, or under your eyes
  • a bad taste in your mouth or food doesn’t taste good
  • feeling cold
  • difficulty concentrating
  • shortness of breath
  • itching skin
  • cramping in hands and legs
  • nausea and vomiting

Your healthcare team can best advise you on possible symptoms and their meaning in the context of kidney disease.

Yes, symptoms related to worsening kidney disease can also be tied to secondary conditions that may stem from kidney disease.

These conditions can include:

Anemia

Anemia occurs when the body has a lower number of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, which carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, dizziness, and pale skin.

Mineral and bone disorder

Mineral and bone disorders are when hormone and mineral levelsTrusted Source in your body, including calcium and phosphate, become imbalanced.

Symptoms may include pain in your bones and joints, although you may not have noticeable symptoms.

Fluid overload

Fluid overload occurs when the kidneys are unable to help the body maintain the right amount of fluids, causing fluid accumulation.

Symptoms may include swelling, especially in your feet and legs, weight gain, and shortness of breath.

Metabolic acidosis

Metabolic acidosis is when acid builds up in your body because your kidneys are not functioning properly.

Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms, or if you suspect you are developing a secondary condition as a result of worsening kidney disease.

Symptoms of worsening kidney disease are different for everyone. Your lab test results, including eGFR and urine albumin values, can help identify your stage of kidney disease and track its progression.

  • Monitoring and tracking symptoms: This can help you and your doctor better manage your kidney disease. If your doctor recommends it, you can monitor your blood pressure at home.
  • Track of test results: This may include tracking your eGFR and urine albumin values, or other details from doctor visits to monitor your long-term kidney health.
  • Note-taking: You can take notes by hand or use a note. Be sure to include the date, time, symptoms, severity of symptoms, and anything that might have contributed to them. You’ll also want to write down what improves or worsens symptoms.
  • Use smartphone apps: A number of smartphone apps can also help you track symptoms. Many smartphone symptom-tracking apps will let you share symptoms and reports directly with your doctor. You can also bring traditional notes or voice memos to your appointments.
  • Tracking test results: This is just as important as tracking your symptoms. You’ll want to keep hard or electronic copies of test results or other reports from all doctor visits, which you can bring to your appointments. This can be especially helpful if you’re visiting multiple doctors.
  • Scan hard copies of paperwork: This may include any documentation you receive at doctor visits or test results. Store them in one folder on your computer or cloud drive. If needed, you’ll be able to easily access your records, print additional copies, or email them to a doctor’s office.

While a kidney disease diagnosis may feel overwhelming at times, your doctor can work with you on a plan to manage your condition. This can include a modified diet, exercise, medication, and more, to help alleviate or address any new or worsening symptoms.

Understanding the symptoms of worsening kidney disease can help you better communicate with your doctor. Monitoring and tracking your symptoms can also go a long way toward helping you manage your kidney disease so that you can promptly get treatment when needed.