Diabetes can be associated with high blood sugar levels, but it may have more to it than that. There are two vital organs called the kidneys, which help remove the waste products from the blood and get rid of extra fluid in the body and keep the mineral balance in the body right. High blood sugar levels can affect their functioning.
At first the link between diabetes and kidney disease may not be obvious. It is possible for kidney problems to occur slowly, even when you feel well. This is a reason why those with diabetes should be examined periodically.
Knowing about how diabetes can lead to kidney problems will allow people to make good decisions regarding their health with proper guidance from experts.
Did You Know?
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease. This highlights why regular kidney screening is important, even when there are no noticeable symptoms.
What Is a Healthy Kidney and How Does It Work?
Normal kidney function entails filtering out excess fluids and waste in the form of urine. In addition, other functions include regulation of blood pressure and production of red blood cells. In diabetics, damage to small blood vessels within the kidneys is experienced. With time, the kidneys lose their ability to filter out waste from the blood.
How Does Diabetes Damage the Kidneys Over Time?
High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys. This is often associated with diabetic kidney disease.
How Does Long-Term High Blood Sugar Affect the Kidneys?
High blood glucose can damage the filters in the kidneys and cause the proteins, such as albumin, to leak into the urine. The higher pressure on the blood vessels can place strain on the kidneys.
What Happens to the Kidneys as Diabetes Progresses?
Kidney damage linked to diabetes usually develops slowly. In the early stages a person may have no symptoms at all. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a result of continued damage to the kidneys and requires regular monitoring and proper medical treatment.
What Are the Early Signs of Kidney Damage From Diabetes?
Early diabetic kidney disease often has no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience changes as the condition progresses.
1. Foamy Urine
Foamy urine may sometimes indicate that albumin is leaking into the urine. However, foam can occur for other reasons and does not confirm kidney disease on its own.
2. Swelling in the Feet and Ankles
If the body retains an extra amount of fluid, there might be swelling in the area around the feet, ankles, or legs. Any sort of swelling needs to be checked by a health professional.
3. Changes in Urination
Some individuals may experience changes in the frequency of urination or the amount of urine passed. These changes can have different causes and must be assessed correctly.
4. Unusual Tiredness and Loss of Appetite
More advanced kidney disease may contribute to tiredness, nausea, or reduced appetite. These symptoms are not specific to kidney problems. Regular blood and urine tests are important because kidney damage may develop without clear symptoms.
Know more about the symptoms, and book a free consultation today.
What Are the Risk Factors for Diabetic Kidney Disease?
Those people with diabetes do not get kidney diseases. Some things that may cause a person to be at risk are as follows:
High sugar concentration: This may damage kidney blood vessels.
High blood pressure: This creates extra pressure on the filtration system of kidneys.
Longer time since diabetes onset: The possibility of developing kidney disease increases with time since diabetes diagnosis.
History of diabetes in the family: This increases the probability of kidney disease.
Smoking and inactivity: These are associated with a broad range of other diseases, making risk management complicated.
Excess body weight: It contributes to blood sugar and blood pressure problems.
These factors do not guarantee the development of kidney problems for certain.
How Can You Protect Your Kidneys With Diabetes?
Daily habits and regular medical care can help reduce the risk of kidney complications.
Which Kidney Tests Should People With Diabetes Get?
Two tests can be done to test the health of your kidneys:
eGFR blood test: This test is done to determine the efficiency of your kidneys.
UACR: Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio.
This test checks whether albumin is present in the urine or not. NIDDK provides resources on how kidney function tests are done. You can ask your medical practitioner about their frequency.
What Food and Lifestyle Changes Support Kidney Health?
Eating well, exercising regularly, having enough sleep, and not smoking may help you stay healthy. Also reducing your consumption of too much salt might help lower blood pressure.
Patients with CKD should be guided regarding their intake of proteins, potassium, phosphorus, and fluids. This will depend on their individual cases; therefore, consult with a kidney specialist or an experienced dietitian.
Why Is Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Management Important?
Keeping blood sugar and blood pressure within the ranges recommended by your healthcare professional can help lower the risk of kidney complications. Take your prescribed drugs accordingly and visit the hospital for further checkups.
Remember to consult an expert before you take any herbs or supplements since some of them can influence the functioning of your kidneys.
When Should You Visit a Diabetes Kidney Care Hospital?
If you have diabetes and abnormal kidney tests, consult a qualified health care professional. You should also be checked if you have ongoing swelling, a change in your urine, or unexplained tiredness.
When choosing a diabetes kidney care hospital, look for appropriate kidney testing, specialist consultations, and regular follow-up care. A kidney specialist can assess your reports and explain suitable care options.
How Does Jeena Sikho HiiMS Approach Kidney Care?
The Jeena Sikho HiiMS takes into account the individual's health requirements and eating and daily activities. Those who suffer from diabetes and problems of the kidney need to consult professional healthcare providers before they change their plan of action.
The following areas may be discussed, depending on individual needs:
Consultation for Ayurveda: A discussion of health status, medications, and kidney function prior to the consideration of any form of Ayurveda treatment modality.
GRAD system: Patients are allowed to inquire about the system and its suitability for their disease from the healthcare team members.
Nutritional advice: Nutritional advice should be taken, keeping in mind the kidney status, sugar level, and lab results.
Panchakarma and adjunctive therapy: The patients who are undergoing Basti therapy should first undergo an individual assessment, especially if they are having end-stage CKD or on dialysis.
Lifestyle advice: Appropriate physical activities and checkups may be helpful for overall health.
Ayurvedic products and procedures should not replace prescribed diabetes medicines, dialysis, or other recommended medical care.
Conclusion
Diabetes may affect the kidneys slowly and without any definite symptoms at all. Knowing about the initial symptoms of kidney problems related to diabetes, managing blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and getting your kidneys tested on a regular basis may assist you in taking the right decisions about your health. In case you have diabetes, consult your health care provider regarding your kidney health and possible tests.
Need advice on your health issues? You can consult about a VOPD consultation with Jeena Sikho HiiMS Derabassi for discussing your medical history and reports.
FAQs
1. Can Diabetes Lead To Kidney Failure?
Yes, diabetes may lead to kidney problems in some patients. The proper treatment and testing will help avoid problems related to diabetes.
2. Can Kidney Injuries Caused by Diabetes Be Prevented?
Not always, but with the control of your blood glucose level and blood pressure, as well as following the advice of your doctor, you will be able to reduce the risk of developing kidney injuries.
3. How Often Should People with Diabetes Test Their Kidneys?
Many diabetics have to test their kidneys at least once a year. Still, this might not be applicable in your particular case.
4. Is It Possible for Kidney Diseases to Remain Undetected?
Yes, because the early stages of diabetic nephropathy do not have any symptoms, and regular blood and urine tests are needed.
5. Can Diabetes Affect The Functioning Of Kidneys In Case Blood Sugar Is Under Control?
Yes, despite controlled blood sugar, kidney problems can develop in some diabetic patients. Regular kidney testing and monitoring of blood pressure should be done.
