Proteinuria Management Treatment in India

Vihaan Saxena, a 42-year-old software engineer...

Vihaan Saxena, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes five years ago. He managed it with medication but led a high-stress, sedentary lifestyle. During a routine annual check-up, his urine test revealed persistently high protein levels (2.5g/day). He had no noticeable symptoms initially, but over the following months, he began experiencing mild swelling in his ankles and felt unusually fatigued in the evenings. His primary care physician referred him to a nephrologist, Dr. Kapoor. Dr. Kapoor confirmed the proteinuria was a sign of diabetic kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy) and recommended a multi-pronged management plan. This included starting an SGLT2 inhibitor medication specifically to protect his kidneys, tightening blood sugar and blood pressure control with an ACE inhibitor, and implementing a strict low-sodium, controlled-protein diet. Vihaan found the dietary changes challenging and was anxious about his long-term health, fearing dialysis. Over six months, with regular follow-ups, his proteinuria reduced to 0.8g/day. The swelling subsided, and his energy improved. Emotionally, he moved from fear and denial to a sense of empowerment. He now sees his management plan not as a restriction, but as an active partnership to preserve his kidney function for his family.