Diabetes, a chronic health condition that impacts an individual in several ways. One of the most critical ways is by affecting kidney health. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease, and it can also lead to kidney failure. According to the American Society of Nephrology, more than 40% of individuals with diabetes will eventually develop kidney disease. However, this doesn't have to be the case.
Diabetes and Kidney Health: Understanding the Link
The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood. When blood passes through the kidneys, the small blood vessels in the organ get damaged, which interrupts the filtration process. Diabetes affects the blood vessels, making them thicken and become more rigid, further obstructing the filtration process. It also damages the nerves controlling the bladder, which, in turn, can result in urinary tract infections (UTI).
Preventive Measures: How to Avoid Kidney Disease in Diabetes
The good news is that diabetic kidney disease is preventable. Diabetes management is key to the prevention of kidney disease. Ensuring that your blood sugar levels are within the recommended range is an essential step. Regular doctor appointments are also essential to monitor kidney function and detect early signs of kidney disease.
It's also vital to manage your blood pressure levels, as high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing kidney disease. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration, is also crucial. Avoiding or quitting smoking is another preventive measure.
Management Strategies: How to Manage Kidney Disease in Diabetes
If you already have kidney disease due to diabetes, there are certain management strategies that you can adopt to ensure it doesn't progress:
Monitoring blood sugar levels: Ensuring that your blood sugar levels are controlled can help you keep kidney disease in check. This can be achieved by a healthy diet, regular exercise and medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Controlling blood pressure: If you have kidney disease, it's essential to control your blood pressure levels. Your doctor may recommend medication or lifestyle changes like a low salt diet.
Controlling Protein loss in the urine : There are many medications which decrease the protein loss in urine and thus control blood pressure and also slow down the progression if kidney disease.
Medications: Some medications can slow down the progression of kidney disease, like ACE inhibitors or ARBs, SGLT2 inhibitors, Mineralo corticoid receptor antagonists ( MRA )
Dialysis or kidney transplant: In severe cases of kidney disease, kidney transplant or dialysis may be necessary to manage the condition.
Conclusion:
Diabetes and kidney disease have a strong link, and it's essential to be proactive in preventing and managing it. With proper diabetes management, it's possible to avoid kidney disease, and in case it is already present, slow down the progression. At Citizens Specialty Hospital, Nallagandala, Hyderabad, we have a team of expert nephrologists who can guide you through your diabetic journey. We hope that this blog post helps raise awareness of the importance of good diabetes management and its impact on kidney health.
