Anita Sabidi, living with type 1 diabetes, cardiomyopathy, and chronic kidney disease, faced her greatest challenge when pregnancy complications triggered Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). Despite medical advice to terminate her pregnancy due to pre-eclampsia and hypertension, she chose to continue, giving birth at 32 weeks before developing kidney complications. With guidance from her doctors and support from fellow kidney warriors, Anita managed to reduce her macroalbumin levels from 6,000 to 300, stabilizing her kidney health. Her journey highlights the silent progression of DKD, the weight of stigma surrounding diabetes complications, and the power of resilience, awareness, and community in managing chronic illness.
Complications are never easy to talk about. They are complex, unpredictable, and shaped by many factors. Yet, they are part of my reality.
I live with Type 1 diabetes, cardiomyopathy, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). One of the most challenging complications I face is Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD), also known as Diabetic Nephropathy. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the kidneys over time, reducing their ability to filter waste properly. It is a silent condition. Many people do not realize they have it until significant damage has already occurred.
For me, the journey with kidney disease started unexpectedly, triggered by one of the most critical moments of my life: pregnancy.
The Turning Point
Pregnancy should have been a joyful experience, but for me, it turned into a battle for survival.
Pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure during pregnancy, combined with diabetes and hypertension created the perfect storm. My health deteriorated rapidly. My cardiologist, worried about my condition, strongly advised me to terminate the pregnancy.
At the time, my baby weighed only 900 grams. It was an impossible choice, but I refused. I understood the risks, yet I held on to hope.
At 32 weeks, I gave birth, but the challenges did not end there. I developed multiple complications: one of them being DKD. My kidneys, already under stress from diabetes, began to fail.
Understanding Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD)
DKD is one of the most common complications of diabetes, affecting about 30-40% of people with diabetes. It progresses through five stages, starting with mild kidney damage and worsening to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), where dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes necessary.
The early signs are often silent – increased protein in urine (albuminuria), swelling in the legs, high blood pressure, and fatigue. By the time symptoms appear, kidney function may already be significantly reduced.
My lab results confirmed severe albuminuria, indicating my kidneys were struggling. It was a wake-up call. I had to act fast.
With the support of my medical team and consultations with Prof. Jose, Prof. Aida, and Dr. Made Hustrini, I began my journey to manage complications, including stage 2 CKD.
The Biggest Challenge: Stigma
One of the hardest parts of this journey is not just the disease, it is the stigma.
Many believe that diabetes complications happen because we “did not take care of ourselves”. In reality, diabetes is a complex condition influenced by genetics, duration of disease, and other health factors. No one chooses complications.
| Instead of empathy, many people blame and shame, making those of us living with complications feel like we have failed. | But I refuse to let stigma define my journey. I am doing my best, every single day. |
Adjusting to a New Reality
For years, I relied heavily on protein as part of my diabetes management. Suddenly, with kidney disease, I had to limit protein intake, a drastic and frustrating change. The fear of complications and the uncertainty of what to do left me feeling lost and overwhelmed.
Fortunately, I found strength in my community. I learned from fellow kidney warriors, Larry and Atika, both living with Type 1 diabetes and kidney complications. Their experiences gave me hope, reminding me that life does not end with a diagnosis. It simply requires adaptation.
My kidney health has improved significantly. The journey is not over, but the progress is real.
Managing Diabetic Kidney Disease: What Helps?
- Blood Sugar Management – Keeping blood sugar levels stable reduces kidney stress.
- Blood Pressure Management – Hypertension accelerates kidney damage.
- Low-Protein Diet – Too much protein overworks the kidneys, so adjustments are necessary.
- Medications – SGLT2 inhibitors and other treatments help slow down kidney decline.
- Regular Monitoring – Routine lab tests help detect changes early.
Moving Forward
This journey has not been easy. There were days of fear, frustration, and uncertainty. But through it all, I found strength, not just within myself, but in the incredible people around me. Healthcare professionals who guide me with care and expertise. Organizations working tirelessly to raise awareness and improve care. Friends and community members who remind me that I am never alone in this fight.
To everyone who has stood by me – thank you. Your support means everything.
This is my journey. This is my fight. I am a Kidney Warrior.
Disclaimer: The blog series is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to endorse or promote any specific drug, product, or brand. Each individual’s experience is unique and should not be construed as medical advice or a guarantee of similar results for others. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health and well-being.
