Diabetes and the Link to Kidney Disease
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The complications of diabetes can lead to a variety of issues, one of which is the possible threat of kidney trouble. If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, or even prediabetes, there are certain steps that you can take to help prevent the onset of kidney disease, aka nephropathy. Nephropathy caused by diabetes is known as diabetic nephropathy.
Diabetes is indeed the leading cause of kidney failure today, and is more prevalent in African Americans, aboriginal Americans, and Latin Americans. Unfortunately, the precise interplay between diabetes and kidney disease is not well known, and there is not yet a cure for diabetic nephropathy. Essentially, it is believed that over years with high blood pressure and high blood glucose levels, your kidneys become damaged, thus preventing them from working properly, or even failing altogether. Luckily, proper management of diabetes can prevent or delay any serious damage to your kidneys.
Your kidneys help to filter your blood, excreting waste through your urine. Your kidneys also help to regulate the fluids and salt content in your body, an important factor in controlling your blood pressure. Each of your two kidneys has approximately one million tiny filtration units, called nephrons. And each nephron has a small filter called a glomerulus, which is attached to a tubule. It is through this tubule that waste and water pass through. When breakdown occurs, it is at this point, where the glomeruli work together with the tubules.
As was said above, it is unclear why high blood sugars and high blood pressure should damage your glomeruli, although it is likely related to your kidneys working so much harder to compensate for increased blood pressure. Because high blood sugar levels damage your blood cells, this further stresses your kidneys as the glomeruli are essentially a network of blood cells.
The following are some of the early signs of kidney disease in people with diabetes:
1. Albumin/protein in your urine.
2. High blood pressure.
3. Swelling in your legs, feet or face.
4. Going to the bathroom more frequently.
5. High levels of nitrogen and creatinine in your blood.
6. Less need for diabetic medicines, such as insulin.
7. Nausea and/or vomiting.
8. Headaches.
9. Fatigue.
10. Itchiness.
If you are diagnosed with kidney disease, you will likely be treated as part of a comprehensive approach to treating your diabetes. Some conventional medical options for treatment include medication such as ACE inhibitors, as well as dialysis, or even kidney transplant.
Here are some key ideas on preventing kidney disease:
- Strictly control your blood sugar levels by eating properly, and monitoring your levels within the target range specified by your doctor.
- Ensure that your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels are well controlled.
- Avoid NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), e.g. aspirin or ibuprofen, which have been linked to some issues with kidney function.
- Don't smoke cigarettes or consume nicotine in any form.
- Treat urinary tract infections immediately with antibiotics.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks and alcohol.
- Avoid medical tests that may damage your kidneys, including x-rays that require the injection of contrast dyes.
- Take your prescribed medications and get regular tests to determine the health of your kidneys.
- Get regular exercise.
- Follow a healthy meal plan.
Furthermore, getting regular acupuncture can help you to
balance your hormonal levels, your blood sugar levels, and your blood
pressure as well. Acupuncture does not interfere with medication, and so
is completely safe to administer alongside your other treatments.
Ensure that whoever is treating you with acupuncture is well trained in
Traditional Chinese Medicine, so that you will be diagnosed properly.
What To Do After Being Clinically Diagnosed With Diabetes
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Are you worried because you have been diagnosed with diabetes recently?
Go over the following article to find out what you should do next.
Do not let your condition scare you. It is true that diabetes are more
likely to develop a certain number of health problems but you can avoid
complications by properly managing your condition. In fact, your
diabetes will become very easy to manage once you get in better shape
and adopt a healthy lifestyle. It is important to transform your
lifestyle quickly and do everything you can to keep your diabetes under
control.
Learn how to check your glucose levels. Invest in a quality glucose
monitor and buy plenty of test strips. You can save a lot by ordering
supplies in bulk online. Purchase some insulin and needles too. If you
do not like needles, you should invest in an insulin pen you can use to
dose the quantity of insulin you need and perform an easy injection.
Test different methods until you find a product you are comfortable
with. Put together a bag with your different supplies and get into the
habit of carrying it with you at all times.
Make a lot of changes to your diet. If you are overweight, you should
focus on losing a few pounds to reach a healthier weight. Lowering your
body fat should make your blood sugar levels easier to manage. Identify
the unhealthy foods and beverages you need to eliminate from your diet.
Adopt a diet rich in whole grains and fibers. You should have several
small meals throughout your day if you find that your blood sugar spikes
after having a large meal. Adopting a healthy diet will be much easier
if you get into the habit of planning your meals in advance.
Being active is a necessity. If you are used to spending a lot of time
sitting at a desk or on your couch, find some new activities. Going for a
walk is an excellent way to burn some calories after a meal. If you are
overweight, exercise three or four times a week. Find some exercises
you enjoy to keep your fitness program fun. Do not exercise too
intensely until you are in better shape. If you experience dizziness
while exercising, stop right away and test your blood sugar levels.
Do not let your diabetes cause you stress. If you feel overwhelmed by
your condition, find a support group. Talking to others with diabetes
will make you feel better and you will get some useful tips from people
who have more experience with managing diabetes. Learn as much as
possible about diabetes and you will find this condition less scary.
Meet with your doctor regularly to make sure you are managing your
condition efficiently.
The tips you just read will help you make some changes to your
lifestyle. You should apply these different strategies and get some help
from your doctor if you feel that you are not managing your diabetes
efficiently.
