What does glomerulosclerosis refer to?

Glomerulosclerosis refers specifically to the hardening or scarring of the renal glomeruli, which are the tiny filtering units in the kidneys. This condition can impair the kidneys' ability to filter waste and can lead to kidney dysfunction over time. The hardening process often involves the thickening of the glomerular membranes and can result from various underlying issues, such as diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune diseases. By targeting the structure of the glomeruli, glomerulosclerosis ultimately affects the overall health of the kidneys and can manifest in various kidney-related symptoms or complications if left unmanaged.