Managing Blood Sugar Levels
This is crucial for lowering the risk of diabetes complications, such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetic neuropathy, which affects the nervous system.
These conditions, too, can lead to further complications. Managing blood sugar levels can also help prevent these from developing.
If diabetic nephropathy progresses to ESRD, a person will need either dialysis or a kidney transplant. They will usually need dialysis for the rest of their life or until a kidney transplant is available.
Effects Of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major factor in the development of kidney problems in people with diabetes. Both a family history of hypertension and the presence of hypertension appear to increase chances of developing kidney disease. Hypertension also accelerates the progress of kidney disease when it already exists.
Blood pressure is recorded using two numbers. The first number is called the systolic pressure, and it represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart beats. The second number is called the diastolic pressure, and it represents the pressure between heartbeats. In the past, hypertension was defined as blood pressure higher than 140/90, said as “140 over 90.”
The ADA and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend that people with diabetes keep their blood pressure below 130/80.
Hypertension can be seen not only as a cause of kidney disease but also as a result of damage created by the disease. As kidney disease progresses, physical changes in the kidneys lead to increased blood pressure. Therefore, a dangerous spiral, involving rising blood pressure and factors that raise blood pressure, occurs. Early detection and treatment of even mild hypertension are essential for people with diabetes.
What Are Risks Of Kidney Diseases For Women
Dr. Sumeet Nigam, General Physician from Sahara Hospital, Lucknow says that women can particularly be at more risk of these problems. The risk of this disease increases if they have high blood pressure, diabetes or some family history of such diseases. Women over 60 years particularly fall for some kind of kidney diseases as the functions tend to become weak and response becomes slow. This also affects women after their menopause in some cases. You should not ignore signs such as pain, cramps in muscles, and sleeping problems as it could be symptoms of kidney diseases for women.
Also Check: Diabetes High And Low Symptoms
Box : Clinical Criteria For The Diagnosis Of Ckd
One ore more of the following criteria must be present for more than 3 months and validated by repeat testing before a clinical diagnosis of chronic kidney disease can be made:
-
Estimated glomerular filtration rate of < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2
-
Urinary albumin/creatinine ratio of 30 mg g1
-
Urinary albumin excretion rate of 30 mg per day
For People With Type 1 Diabetes
Microalbuminuria or proteinuria is rarely present at the time when the diabetes is first diagnosed. By five years after the diagnosis of diabetes, about 1 in 7 people will have developed microalbuminuria.
After 30 years, about 4 in 10 people will have developed microalbuminuria. Some people with microalbuminuria progress to proteinuria and kidney failure.
Don’t Miss: Good Glucose Reading Type 2 Diabetes
What Increases My Chances Of Developing Diabetic Kidney Disease
Having diabetes for a longer time increases the chances that you will have kidney damage. If you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop kidney disease if your
- blood glucose is too high
- blood pressure is too high
African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanics/Latinos develop diabetes, kidney disease, and kidney failure at a higher rate than Caucasians.
You are also more likely to develop kidney disease if you have diabetes and
- smoke
- have heart disease
- have a family history of kidney failure
The Burden Of Kidney Failure
Each year in the United States, more than 100,000 people are diagnosed with kidney failure, a serious condition in which the kidneys fail to rid the body of wastes. Kidney failure is the final stage of chronic kidney disease .
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure, accounting for nearly 44 percent of new cases. Even when diabetes is controlled, the disease can lead to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Most people with diabetes do not develop chronic kidney disease that is severe enough to progress to kidney failure. Nearly 24 million people in the United States have diabetes, and nearly 200,000 people are living with kidney failure as a result of diabetes.
People with kidney failure undergo either dialysis, an artificial blood-cleaning process, or transplantation to receive a healthy kidney from a donor. Most U.S. citizens who develop kidney failure are eligible for federally funded care. In 2009, care for patients with kidney failure cost the United States nearly $42 billion.
People with diabetes should be screened regularly for kidney disease. The two key markers for kidney disease are eGFR and urine albumin.
Kidney disease is present when eGFR is less than 60 milliliters per minute.
The American Diabetes Association and the National Institutes of Health recommend that eGFR be calculated from serum creatinine at least once a year in all people with diabetes.
Also Check: Healthy Diet For Diabetes And High Cholesterol
Increased Urge To Urinate
This symptom is common in both males and females, kidney functions regulate the flow of urine in the body. However if there is some dysfunction, then there may be increased urge to urinate. You may have to wake several times at night to urinate in night it is a evident symptoms of kidney diseases and must not be ignored. If you are having increased urge to urinate, then you must speak to your doctor to get yourself diagnosed as early as possible.
The Plan Of Management Will Differ According To The Stage Of Diabetic Kidney Disease As Our Target In The Beginning Is To Stop The Regression Of Renal Functions And To Avoid Kidney Damage After Stabilisation Our Target Will Be To Help The Patients Organs Regain Some Of The Lost Functions But We Have To Know That Chronic Kidney Disease Over Months And Years Is Usually Irreversible Acute Cases Occurring On Top Of Chronic Disease Are Correctable And Reversible Only If Treated Early And In The Proper Way
As a first step in managing diabetes, patients have to accept that they will need to live and cope with it throughout their lives, explains Dr Moamen Amin Abdelrahim, Consultant Urologist, Medcare Hospital Sharjah. When we deal with it in a good way, it will be controlled without much suffering. We may have seen examples among our families and friends, of how a normal life can be led if the condition is managed effectively.
Diabetic kidney disease can get worse with time if we dont care about our sugar levels, blood pressure, or cholesterol level. We also need to closely monitor our kidney functions, and follow the physicians instructions regarding diet and lifestyle modifications.
We are commonly discovering diabetic kidney disease accidentally on routine investigations for diabetes as the early stages are asymptomatic, says Abdelrahim.
The plan of management will differ according to the stage of diabetic kidney disease, as our target in the beginning is to stop the regression of renal functions and to avoid kidney damage. After stabilisation, our target will be to help the patients organs regain some of the lost functions. But we have to know that chronic kidney disease over months and years is usually irreversible. Acute cases occurring on top of chronic disease are correctable and reversible only if treated early and in the proper way.
You May Like: How Much Is Insulin Out Of Pocket
What Are The Early Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Kidney Disease
An introduction
Detecting chronic kidney illness can be challenging as the signs and symptoms of kidney sickness happen late when the condition advances to its severe form. In short, CKD is commonly known as a silent killer since its difficult to detectand many people at the earliest stage of CKD ignore it.
Modern healing treatment can help manage chronic kidney disease. However, Ayurveda treatment for kidney disease can cure it permanently using natures healing technique. But most people are not aware of the ancient treatment, Ayurveda, and hence they run behind the modern treatment system that is too expensive and doesnt provide a permanent cure.
How Common Is Diabetic Kidney Disease
Although diabetic kidney disease is more common in people with type 1 diabetes, there are more people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease. This is because type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes.
Diabetic kidney disease is actually the most common cause of kidney failure. Around one in five people needing dialysis have diabetic kidney disease.
Note: most people with diabetes do not need dialysis.
Also Check: 30 Carb Meals For Diabetics
Signs You May Have Kidney Disease
More than 37 million American adults are living with kidney disease and most dont know it. There are a number of physical signs of kidney disease, but sometimes people attribute them to other conditions. Also, those with kidney disease tend not to experience symptoms until the very late stages, when the kidneys are failing or when there are large amounts of protein in the urine. This is one of the reasons why only 10% of people with chronic kidney disease know that they have it, says Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, Chief Medical Officer at the National Kidney Foundation.
While the only way to know for sure if you have kidney disease is to get tested, Dr. Vassalotti shares 10 possible signs you may have kidney disease. If youre at risk for kidney disease due to high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney failure or if youre older than age 60, its important to get tested annually for kidney disease. Be sure to mention any symptoms youre experiencing to your healthcare practitioner.
Ankles And Feet Becomes Swollen
Women may have swollen ankles and feet as an early signs of kidney dysfunctions. This can be due to multiple factors however it can also indicate sodium retention in the body. Reduced working or problem in kidney functions can lead to sodium retention. It causes ankles and feet to swell and could also increase the risk of heart diseases, liver problems and chronic vein problems.
Recommended Reading: Is Stevia Safe For Diabetics
Other Clinical Features And Urinary Abnormalitieswhen To Consider Additional Testing Or Referral
Urinalysis findings of red or white blood cell casts or heme granular casts suggest a renal diagnosis other than diabetic kidney disease. Although persistent microscopic hematuria can occur in people with diabetic nephropathy, its presence should lead to the consideration of other urologic or nephrologic conditions. Table 2 lists other clinical clues that may point to a renal diagnosis other than kidney disease due to diabetes. Such individuals should undergo an appropriate assessment for the cause of their disease. Table 2 also lists some conditions whose presence would prompt a referral to a renal specialist.
Although 24-hour collections are not needed for routine screening in diabetes, they can be useful when there is doubt about the accuracy of an eGFR, when screening for non-albumin urinary proteins or when estimating daily sodium intake in an individual with refractory edema or hypertension. Individuals should be counseled to discard the first morning urine on the day of collection, and then collect all subsequent urine for a 24-hour period, including the first morning urine of the next day.
Are You Diabetic You Can Be At Risk Of Kidney Disease
Doctors urge people to be aware of the warning signs
Highlight
Diabetes is the leading cause of impaired kidney function. Today, as we observe World Kidney Day, doctors urge people to be aware of the warning signs
If youre living with diabetes, theres a chance your kidneys could face a condition called diabetic kidney disease. Doctors refer to the condition as diabetic nephropathy, which occurs when high blood pressure or high blood sugar from diabetes hurts the kidneys.
Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney disease worldwide. The harsh reality is that at the time when Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, approximately 7.5 per cent of patients already have early diabetes-related kidney disease. In the UAE, as in most parts of the world, diabetes and hypertension are the biggest risk factors for kidney disease. Nearly 80 per cent of kidney damage can be attributed to these two conditions.
Recommended Reading: Do I Need Prescription For Insulin
How Can I Tell If I Have Diabetic Kidney Disease
Most people with diabetic kidney disease do not have symptoms. The only way to know if you have diabetic kidney disease is to get your kidneys checked.
Health care professionals use blood and urine tests to check for diabetic kidney disease. Your health care professional will check your urine for albumin and will also do a blood test to see how well your kidneys are filtering your blood.
You should get tested every year for kidney disease if you
- have had type 1 diabetes for more than 5 years
Control Your Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the wall of your blood vessels. High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. It can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
Your health care team will also work with you to help you set and reach your blood pressure goal. The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 140/90 mm Hg. Ask your health care team what your goal should be.
Medicines that lower blood pressure can also help slow kidney damage. Two types of blood pressure medicines, ACE inhibitors and ARBs, play a special role in protecting your kidneys. Each has been found to slow kidney damage in people with diabetes who have high blood pressure and DKD. The names of these medicines end in pril or sartan. ACE inhibitors and ARBs are not safe for women who are pregnant.
You May Like: Best Bread For Diabetics To Eat
Best Glucose Monitors Without Finger Pricks
Obesity is a leading danger factor for diabetesCalculate your BMIto see whether you re at a healthy Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart For Adults effecr of kidney disease on blood sugar weight If you re chubby or overweight, start making small changes to your consuming habits and get more bodily exercise Even a small quantity of weight loss 7 , or about 14 pounds for a effecr of kidney disease on blood sugar 200 pound woman can delay and even forestall type 2 diabetes Over time, this extra glucose can lead to prediabetes or diabetes Diabetes puts you in danger for different severe and life threatening well being problems, such asheart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney damage Kidney .
How Is Kidney Disease Treated
The type of treatment will depend on what stage of kidney disease you have. The good news is, if kidney disease is spotted early, treatments can slow down kidney damage.
If you have diabetes and kidney disease, you will probably be advised to do these things:
- Keep your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels within your target range.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices, eg, eat foods lower in salt and eat more fruits and vegetables. You should also aim for a healthy body weight, make physical activity part of your daily routine and get support to quit smoking.
- Take certain medicines, such as an ACE inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker or empagliflozin. These help protect your kidneys and reduce blood pressure and/or blood glucose.
- Make changes to your diet to help protect your kidneys. A registered dietitian can help you with these.
- Avoid certain medicines that can damage the kidneys, like ibuprofen. If you have kidney disease you should always discuss with your pharmacist or healthcare provider before you take a new medicine.
If kidney damage gets worse and you develop end-stage kidney disease, this means your kidneys are starting to fail. If this happens, treatment options include a kidney transplant or dialysis.
Recommended Reading: How To Control Diabetes Without Insulin
Estimation Of Glomerular Filtration Rate
The eGFR is useful for assessing chronic changes in renal function but should not be used in situations where kidney function is changing rapidly. A rapid drop in renal function is referred to as an acute kidney injury . An AKI can occur in association with almost any acute systemic illness but, in particular, with conditions leading to hypotension or intravascular volume contraction. When such conditions are present, assessment of the level of kidney function may be clinically necessary, but should not be used to assess the stage of CKD. Because renal function can be transiently depressed, a persistent reduction in eGFR is required before it is considered to indicate the presence of CKD.
Table 4Stages of CKD of all types
How Is Diabetic Nephropathy Diagnosed
Certain blood tests that look for specific blood chemistry can be used to diagnose kidney damage. It also can be detected early by finding protein in the urine. Treatments are available that can help slow progression to kidney failure. That’s why you should have your urine tested every year if you have diabetes.
Read Also: Can Type 2 Diabetes Make You Tired
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Kidney Disease
There are lots of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing kidney disease:
- Keep your blood sugar levels within your target range
- Get support to stop smoking
- Eat healthily and keep active
- Go to all your medical appointments.
We have lots of information and support to help you have you tried our Learning Zone? Thousands of people with diabetes are using it to help them manage their diabetes. You can also download a copy of our ‘Diabetes and kidney disease’ leaflet free of charge from our online shop.
Reducing Your Hba1c To Reduce The Risk Of Nephropathy
Results from the ADVANCE study published June 2008 in the New England Journal of Medicine trial showed that reducing HbA1c to 6.5% can lower nephropathy risk by a fifth in people with type 2 diabetes
Two further large-scale studies the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial and the UK Prospective Diabetes Study demonstrated that decreasing HbA1c by 1% reduces the risk of microvascular complications, such as nephropathy, by 25% in people with either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes
Don’t Miss: Medicine From Canada For Diabetes