- \n
- What is diabetic kidney disease?<\/li>\n
- How does diabetes cause kidney disease?<\/li>\n
- What increases my chances of diabetic kidney disease?<\/li>\n
- How can I tell if I have diabetic kidney disease?<\/li>\n
- How can I keep my kidneys healthy if I have diabetes?<\/li>\n
- How can I cope with the stress of managing my diabetes?<\/li>\n
- Does diabetic kidney disease get worse over time?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
FACTS OF DIABETIC KIDNEY DISEASE<\/h3>\n
![\"Diabetic](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.diabetesasia.org\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/123.jpg?resize=275%2C311&ssl=1\")
Diabetic retinopathy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n - \n
- About 20 million Americans suffer from p<\/a>eripheral neuropathy.<\/li>\n
- People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have diabetic neuropathy and pain due to complications than type 1 diabetics.<\/li>\n
- Research shows that having a body mass index greater than 24 puts you at a higher risk for diabetes complications in general.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
SYMPTOMS<\/h4>\n
- \n
- Diabetic kidney disease usually causes no symptoms until at least 75 percent of your kidneys’ function is lost.<\/li>\n
- continuous high blood pressure<\/li>\n
- Swelling of the hands, feet, and face.<\/li>\n
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating.<\/li>\n
- Nausea.<\/li>\n
- Weakness.<\/li>\n
- Itching (end-stage excretory organ) and dehydrated\u00a0skin.<\/li>\n
- Drowsiness (end-stage kidney disease)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
DIAGNOSTIC TEST<\/h3>\n
To determine whether you have diabetic kidney disease, you may need certain tests and procedures, such as:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Blood tests.<\/strong> If you have diabetes, you will need blood tests to monitor your condition and determine how well your kidneys are working.<\/li>\n
- Urine tests.<\/strong> Urine samples provide information about your kidney function and whether you have too much protein in the urine.<\/li>\n
- Imaging tests.<\/strong> Your doctor may use X-rays and ultrasound to assess your kidneys’ structure and size. You may also undergo CT scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine how well blood is circulating within your kidneys.<\/li>\n
- Renal function testing.<\/strong> Your doctor can assess your kidneys’ filtering capacity using renal analysis testing.<\/li>\n
- Kidney biopsy.<\/strong> Your doctor may recommend a kidney biopsy to remove a sample of kidney tissue. You will be given a local anesthetic. Then your doctor will use a thin needle to extract small pieces of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
CAUSES OF DIABETIC KIDNEY DISEASE<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.diabetesasia.org\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/United_States_Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention_logo.svg_.png?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n- \n
- When the blood vessels are damaged due to high blood sugar.<\/li>\n
- excessive smoking<\/li>\n
- If you don’t follow the proper eating plan when you’re diabetic<\/li>\n
- If you have a family history of kidney failure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
RISK FACTOR<\/h3>\n
- \n
- You have a high risk for DKD if you’ve high blood pressure.<\/li>\n
- You have a high risk of DKD if you eat more salt in food<\/li>\n
- You have a high risk for DKD if you’re not active.<\/li>\n
- You have a high risk for DKD. If you’ve any heart disease<\/li>\n
- You have a high risk for DKD. If you’ve type 2 diabetes<\/li>\n
- You have a high risk for DKD If \u00a0You’ve had type 1 \u00a0diabetes for more than 5 years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
TREATMENT<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Healthy lifestyle habits and taking your medicines as prescribed can help you treat Diabetic kidney disease.<\/li>\n
- To maintain blood sugar levels by routine checkups and proper treatment<\/li>\n
- to maintain blood pressure<\/li>\n
- Stop completely smoking
![\"Photography](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/1005486\/pexels-photo-1005486.jpeg?resize=458%2C305&ssl=1\")
<\/li>\n - Get enough sleep (7- 8 hours sleep each night)<\/li>\n
- regular exercise or Yoga<\/li>\n
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins<\/a> treat high cholesterol and reduce protein in the urine.<\/li>\n
- Medications can often reduce the level of the protein albumin in the urine and improve kidney function.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
NATURAL TREATMENT<\/h2>\n
- \n
- vegetables and\u00a0whole fruits: all kinds, which are high in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and essential electrolytes like minerals and potassium<\/li>\n
- Wild-caught fish: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil benefit diabetics by lowering triglycerides and apoproteins that raise the risk for diabetic complications.<\/li>\n
- Drink six to eight\u00a0eight-ounce glasses of water\u00a0each day\u00a0to stay hydrated<\/strong>, plus fill up on more fiber-rich and water-rich foods like fresh veggies and fruit to feel satisfied with less<\/li>\n
- Physical therapy can also be helpful because it increases muscle strength, mobility, and daily functioning.<\/li>\n
- Essential oils to help dull pain and lower inflammation, including peppermint, lavender, and frankincense.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Diabetic nephropathy<\/b>, also known as\u00a0diabetic kidney disease<\/b>,<\/sup> is the chronic loss of\u00a0kidney function in those with\u00a0diabetes mellitus. Diabetic nephropathy is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally.\u00a0Protein loss in the urine\u00a0due to damage to the\u00a0glomeruli may become massive and cause low serum albumin, resulting in\u00a0generalized body swelling (edema) and\u00a0nephrotic syndrome.<\/p>\n
![\"Person](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/8157145\/pexels-photo-8157145.jpeg?resize=441%2C294&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nLikewise, the estimated\u00a0glomerular filtration rate<\/a> (eGFR) may progressively fall from a normal of over 90 ml\/min\/1.73 m2\u00a0to less than 15, at which point the patient is said to have\u00a0end-stage renal disease<\/a>.<\/sup> It is usually slowly progressive over the years.<\/sup><\/p>\n
Pathophysiologic abnormalities in diabetic nephropathy begin with long-standing, poorly controlled blood glucose levels. Multiple changes follow this in the filtration units of the kidneys, the nephrons. (There are normally about 750,000\u20131.5 million nephrons in each adult kidney).<\/sup>\u00a0Initially, there is constriction of the\u00a0efferent arterioles\u00a0and dilation of\u00a0afferent arterioles, with resulting glomerular capillary hypertension and hyperfiltration; this gradually changes to hypo-filtration over time.<\/sup><\/p>\n
![\"Person](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/1350560\/pexels-photo-1350560.jpeg?resize=445%2C296&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nConcurrently, there are changes within the glomerulus itself: these include a thickening of the\u00a0basement membrane, a widening of the slit membranes of the\u00a0podocytes, an increase in the number of mesangial cells, and an increase in a mesangial matrix. This matrix invades the glomerular capillaries and produces deposits called Kimmelstiel-Wilson nodules. The mesangial cells and matrix can progressively expand and consume the entire glomerulus, shutting off filtration.<\/sup><\/p>\n
The status of diabetic nephropathy may be monitored by measuring two values: the amount of protein in the urine – proteinuria; and a blood test called the serum\u00a0creatinine<\/a>. The amount of proteinuria reflects the degree of damage to any still-functioning glomeruli. The serum creatinine value\u00a0can\u00a0be used to calculate the\u00a0estimated glomerular filtration rate<\/a> (eGFR), which reflects the percentage of glomeruli that are no longer filtering the blood.<\/p>\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/1250655\/pexels-photo-1250655.jpeg?resize=488%2C325&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nTreatment with an\u00a0angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor\u00a0or\u00a0angiotensin receptor blocker\u00a0dilates the\u00a0arteriole exiting the glomerulus, thus reducing blood pressure within the glomerular capillaries may slow (but not stop) progression of the disease. Three classes of diabetes medications \u2013\u00a0GLP-1 agonists,\u00a0DPP-4 inhibitors, and\u00a0SGLT2 inhibitors\u2013 are also thought to slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy.<\/sup><\/p>\n
Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease and is a serious complication that affects approximately one-quarter of adults with diabetes in the United States.<\/sup><\/sup>\u00a0Affected individuals with end-stage kidney disease often require\u00a0hemodialysis and\u00a0kidney transplantation to replace the failed kidney function.\u00a0<\/sup>Diabetic nephropathy is associated with an increased\u00a0risk of death\u00a0in general, particularly from\u00a0cardiovascular disease.<\/sup><\/sup><\/p>\n
\n \nDiabetes – A Major Risk Factor for Kidney Disease<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
\n \n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nDiabetes mellitus, usually called diabetes, is a disease in which your body does not make enough insulin or cannot properly use normal amounts of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of sugar in your blood. A high blood sugar level<\/a> can cause problems in many parts of your body.<\/p>\n
Are there different types of diabetes?<\/h2>\n
The most common ones are Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children. It is also called juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. In this type, your pancreas does not make enough insulin, and you have to take insulin injections for the rest of your life.<\/p>\n
Type 2 diabetes, which is more common, usually occurs in people over 40 and is called adult-onset diabetes mellitus. It is also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. In Type 2, your pancreas makes insulin, but your body does not use it properly. The high blood sugar level can often be controlled by following a diet and\/or taking medication<\/a>, although some patients must take insulin. Type 2 diabetes<\/a> is particularly prevalent among African Americans<\/a>, American Indians, Latin Americans, and Asian Americans.<\/p>\n
\n \n\n\n33% of drivers next to you
\non a busy highway could be
\nat risk for kidney disease.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\nWhat does diabetes do to the kidneys?<\/h2>\n
![\"Top](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/4230620\/pexels-photo-4230620.jpeg?resize=496%2C330&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nWith diabetes, the small blood vessels in the body are injured. When the blood vessels in the kidneys are injured, your kidneys cannot clean your blood properly. Your body will retain more water and salt than it should, which can result in weight gain and ankle swelling. You may have protein in your urine. Also, waste materials will build up in your blood.<\/p>\n
Diabetes may also cause damage to nerves in your body. This can cause difficulty in emptying your bladder. The pressure resulting from your full bladder can back up and injure the kidneys. Also, if urine remains in your bladder for a long time, you can develop an infection from the rapid growth of bacteria in the urine with a high sugar level.<\/p>\n
How many diabetic patients will develop kidney disease?<\/h2>\n
About 30 percent of patients with Type 1 (juvenile-onset) diabetes and 10 to 40 percent of those with Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes eventually will suffer from kidney failure.<\/p>\n
What are the early signs of kidney disease in patients with diabetes?<\/h2>\n
![\"Person](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/7801352\/pexels-photo-7801352.jpeg?resize=492%2C328&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nPhoto Credit<\/a>:https:\/\/www.bio-bean.com\/<\/p>\n
The earliest sign of diabetic kidney disease is increased excretion of albumin in the urine. This is present long before the usual tests done in your doctor’s office show evidence of kidney disease, so you need to have this test every year. Weight gain and ankle swelling may occur. You will use the bathroom more at night.<\/p>\n
Your blood pressure may get too high. As a person with diabetes, you should have your blood, urine, and blood pressure checked at least once a year. This will lead to better control of your disease and early high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Maintaining control of your diabetes can lower your risk of developing severe kidney disease.<\/p>\n
What are the late signs of kidney disease in patients with diabetes?<\/h2>\n
As your kidneys fail, your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels will rise, as well as the level of creatinine in your blood. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, a loss of appetite, weakness, increasing fatigue, itching, muscle cramps (especially in your legs), and anemia (a low blood count). You may find you need less insulin. This is because diseased kidneys cause less breakdown of insulin. If you develop any of these signs, call your doctor.<\/p>\n
Signs of Kidney Disease in Patients with Diabetes<\/p>\n
- \n
- Albumin\/protein in the urine<\/li>\n
- High blood pressure<\/li>\n
- Ankle and leg swelling, leg cramps<\/li>\n
- Going to the bathroom more often at night<\/li>\n
- High levels of BUN and creatinine in the blood<\/li>\n
- Less need for insulin or antidiabetic medications<\/a><\/li>\n
- Morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting<\/li>\n
- Weakness, paleness, and anemia<\/a><\/li>\n
- Itching<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
<\/p>\n
- Medications can often reduce the level of the protein albumin in the urine and improve kidney function.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Urine tests.<\/strong> Urine samples provide information about your kidney function and whether you have too much protein in the urine.<\/li>\n
- Blood tests.<\/strong> If you have diabetes, you will need blood tests to monitor your condition and determine how well your kidneys are working.<\/li>\n
- About 20 million Americans suffer from p<\/a>eripheral neuropathy.<\/li>\n