What is nephropathy?

Nephropathy refers specifically to kidney disease. The term comes from the Greek word "nephros," meaning kidney, and "pathy," which denotes disease or disorder. There are multiple forms of nephropathy, including diabetic nephropathy, which is related to diabetes, and hypertension-related kidney damage. These conditions involve damage to the kidney's structure and function, leading to various health complications such as proteinuria, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and potentially kidney failure. Understanding nephropathy is essential for recognizing its impact on overall health, particularly in relation to metabolic disorders and systemic diseases.