In the early stages of diabetic nephropathy, there may be no noticeable symptoms. However, in later stages, symptoms such as hypertension, protein in the urine, edema particularly in the feet, ankles, or hands depending on the level of albuminuria, weight gain, frequent urination, confusion and difficulty concentrating, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting may appear. Hypertension (HT) is twice as common in people with diabetes as in those without.