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Diabetic nephropathy is a complication of diabetes that causes chronic kidney disease. The high blood sugar level damages the kidney by affecting the arteries from where the kidneys filter blood. Approximately 20 to 40 % of people with diabetes develop some kidney disease. The symptoms are swollen ankles, feet, lower legs, and hands, shortness of breath, dark urine, metallic taste in the mouth, and nausea. As the kidneys are damaged, the body starts losing protein through urine, kidneys find it difficult to remove waste products from the blood, and they fail to maintain healthy fluid levels in the body. Diabetic nephropathy can be prevented if the blood sugar levels are well controlled.