Diabetes often raises worries regarding long-term problems affecting multiple bodily organs. My most feared problems are kidney-related, with pictures of dialysis equipment and transplant operations flashing through my mind. This is especially true for people who have witnessed these techniques utilized on relatives or friends.
What effects does diabetes have on my body?
When diabetes is not effectively controlled, the blood sugar level rises. This is known as hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can harm several organs, including the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, eyes, feet, and nerves.
More than one-third of diabetics experience kidney issues. They frequently do not notice anything out of the ordinary in the early stages since uncontrolled sugar does not generate any symptoms on its own. Long-term blood sugar increases, especially when combined with high blood pressure, destroy your kidneys slowly and silently. By the time common signs of kidney illness, such as water retention/swelling, become apparent, the kidneys have already been severely damaged.
Why does uncontrolled diabetes impact the kidneys?
One of the most serious consequences of diabetes is damage to tiny blood vessels. Diabetes causes clogging of the small arteries that cleanse our kidneys and allow poisonous dirt to be removed while keeping nutritious fluids and electrolytes. This impairs the kidneys' capacity to excrete waste, which subsequently accumulates in our bodies along with water and salt. Simultaneously, the kidneys begin to release protein. Diabetes frequently causes nerve involvement, which results in weak bladder muscles, urine buildup, back flow, and recurrent infections. Frequent infections might potentially permanently harm the kidneys.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are frequently associated. Excessive blood pressure is equally risky as uncontrolled blood sugar when it comes to diabetes-related kidney problems. Smoking is a big risk factor, as is having a family history of diabetic kidney disease.
How can I tell if I already have kidney damage?
The majority of people with early kidney damage have no symptoms. A urine test once a year is the best approach to detect early kidney impairment. This test detects extremely minute levels of protein in the urine, known as albuminuria. It aids in detecting kidney impairment in diabetics at an early stage. Kidney failure does not occur in every case of renal disease. You can keep kidney disease from worsening if you obtain the correct therapy.
These tests can be performed on-site at doctor's offices or hospitals.
What can diabetics do to protect their kidneys?
Getting the proper blood sugar and blood pressure objectives is critical. Generally, a HbA1c (which shows the degree of diabetes management for the previous three months) should be at or below 7%, however this might vary depending on age, diabetes duration, and the presence of comorbidities.
Diabetes patients should have their HbA1c levels checked every three months. Blood pressure should be less than 130/80 and no more than 140/90. Proper management from the start can help us avoid small-vessel issues like those of the eyes and kidneys.
Apart from managing blood sugar and blood pressure from the start, treating intercurrent urinary tract infections is critical, because infections can be a reversible cause of diminishing kidney function.
What should I do if I have diabetes and kidney damage?
Limiting your protein intake
Individuals with diabetes and kidney disease should eat enough protein to stay healthy, but not too much. According to research, consuming less protein may help to delay kidney deterioration. You should discuss this with your doctor. If you must follow a low-protein diet, consult with a dietician who specializes in renal illness. Do not embark on this sort of diet without first consulting with a dietician to ensure a healthy approach to food adjustments.
Maintaining healthy cholesterol and lipid levels.
This will aid in the prevention of additional damage to bigger blood arteries such as those in the brain and heart.
Keeping your blood sugar under control
Keeping your blood sugar under control is the greatest strategy to avoid or delay kidney damage. This is normally accomplished by food, exercise, and, if necessary, insulin or hypoglycemic medications (to lower your blood sugar level).
High blood pressure management
High blood pressure might raise your risk of kidney failure. See your doctor to determine your blood pressure target.
Avoid NSAIDs
Avoiding medications that can harm the kidneys, particularly NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications) like ibuprofen and naproxen. Before using any herbal supplements, see your doctor because some might be harmful to the kidneys.
If you follow these guidelines from the start, you can avoid or postpone kidney involvement in diabetes. If the condition progresses to the point where kidney function is reduced to 10-15%, you may require dialysis or a transplant.
Dialysis is now considerably more convenient for patients, and many may stay on it for years while still maintaining a high quality of life. Kidney transplantation is also becoming more commonly accessible in India, with remarkable outcomes. End-stage renal disease outcomes have improved significantly as these breakthroughs have been more widely available to the general public. Nonetheless, the age-old adage "prevention is better than treatment" remains true.
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