TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Over 2 million people in Taiwan suffer from diabetes, a condition that can lead to serious complications if not properly managed. One such complication is diabetic nephropathy, a kidney disease that develops gradually over many years. This condition damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood, potentially leading to kidney failure if left untreated.
Diabetic nephropathy has become the leading cause of initial dialysis in Taiwan, accounting for about 46% of cases. Lee Wen-chin (李文欽), vice president of Zhangbin Show Chwan Memorial Hospital (彰濱秀傳醫院), emphasizes the need for early and aggressive control to prevent severe complications.
The issue extends beyond Taiwan, with troubling trends throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The Korean Journal of Medicine reported that in 2023, 50% of dialysis patients in South Korea developed the condition due to diabetic nephropathy. Similarly, the Journal of Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians found a 38.3% prevalence rate in Japan.
Patients with poorly controlled blood sugar, lipids, and blood pressure face higher risks. Those with high-sugar, high-fat diets, smoking habits, or sedentary lifestyles are also more susceptible to the condition.
Huang Chien-ning (黃建寧), president of the Diabetes Association of the Republic of China (中華民國糖尿病學會), warns that diabetic nephropathy often accompanies heart disease and retinopathy, damage to the retina of the eye. "Diabetic kidney disease often shows no obvious symptoms in the early stage. But if you look closely, you might notice foamy urine," Huang said. "As it worsens, leg swelling and shortness of breath may occur. In more severe cases, fatigue and anemia can develop."
Yu Chih-hen (余志恆), a nephrologist at National Cheng Kung University (成大醫院), stressed the importance of controlling blood sugar as the foundation of treatment. He recommends maintaining a hemoglobin A1c level of around 7.0%.
Medical experts advise diabetic patients to manage blood sugar and monitor kidney indices actively. Early consultation is crucial if kidney function abnormalities are detected to reduce the risk of dialysis. A healthy lifestyle remains the best prevention method, with calls for government support in providing exercise environments and incorporating dietary knowledge into school curricula.
