Kidney Damage And Diabetes: Prevention And Management
Our kidneys are made up of thousands of tiny blood vessels whose main function is to filter waste from our blood. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels, thereby affecting this filtering process and causing kidney diseases. In worst-case scenarios, it can even lead to kidney failure. Let's learn about the connection between kidney damage and diabetes.
Causes for Kidney Damage
Over time, elevated blood glucose, a sign of diabetes mellitus, might aggravate renal impairment by disrupting renal blood vessel function. Uncontrolled high blood pressure also makes the condition worse by causing additional damage to blood vessels. Kidney problems are more likely in families with a history of diabetic nephropathy.
However, when kidney disease starts to affect your body, your body will respond by retaining more water and salt than it should, which can result in weight gain and ankle swelling. You may also have protein in your urine, and waste materials will build up in your blood.
Symptoms of Kidney Damage
Early-stage detection is often impossible as no symptoms develop. However, that said, a person with kidney disease is likely to experience these symptoms of chronic kidney disease.
● Shortness of breath
● Headaches and sleep problems
● Frequent urination
● Swelling of the legs and puffiness around the eyes
● High blood pressure
● Fatigue and weakness
● Loss of appetite
● Nausea and vomiting
● Itching and easy bruising
● Restless legs syndrome
● Chest pain
● Bleeding
● Bone pain
● Erectile dysfunction
How Do I Manage and Prevent Kidney Problems?
In order to prevent kidney damage, you need to control blood sugar levels. Be strict with your medication, diabetes diet and exercise routine. Keep monitoring sugar levels regularly without fail, with the help of a glucometer.
● Seek medical attention
● Ask your doctor which drugs are bad for your kidneys (nephrotoxic) and avoid them.
● Regular urine and blood tests.
Conclusion
To sum up, the correlation between diabetes and kidney damage highlights the vital significance of early detection and efficient treatment approaches. For those with diabetes already diagnosed, the progression of kidney disease must be stopped as soon as possible through early detection and prompt care. This includes taking medications as directed, eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and visiting doctors on time.
