Diabetic kidney disease, also known as diabetic nephropathy, is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the kidneys. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, causing them to become less effective at filtering waste from the body. If left untreated, diabetic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. Fortunately, there are steps that people with diabetes can take to maintain healthy kidneys and reduce their risk of developing diabetic kidney disease.
Understanding Diabetic Kidney Disease
Diabetic kidney disease is a common complication of diabetes that affects approximately 30% of people with type 1 diabetes and up to 40% of people with type 2 diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to a buildup of waste products in the blood. Over time, this damage can cause the kidneys to lose their ability to filter waste from the body, which can lead to kidney failure.
Symptoms of Diabetic Kidney Disease
In the early stages of diabetic kidney disease, there may be no symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, symptoms may include:
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or face
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Urinating more frequently or less frequently than usual
- Blood in the urine
- High blood pressure
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Kidneys
- Control your blood sugar levels. Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range is one of the most important things you can do to maintain healthy kidneys. This can be achieved through a combination of diet, exercise, and medication.
- Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure can increase the risk of developing diabetic kidney disease, so it’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and take steps to keep it under control.
- Follow a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and saturated fat can help to reduce the risk of developing diabetic kidney disease. It’s also important to limit your intake of alcohol and sugary drinks.
- Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetic kidney disease. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, most days of the week.
- Take your medications as prescribed. If you have been prescribed medications to help control your diabetes or blood pressure, it’s important to take them as directed by your doctor.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of developing diabetic kidney disease, so it’s important to quit smoking if you are a smoker.
- Get regular kidney function tests. If you have diabetes, it’s important to get regular kidney function tests to check for signs of diabetic kidney disease. Your doctor may recommend urine tests, blood tests, or imaging tests to monitor your kidney function.
- Manage stress. Stress can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing diabetic kidney disease, so it’s important to manage stress through relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Conclusion
Diabetic kidney disease is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to kidney failure if left untreated. However, there are steps that people with diabetes can take to maintain healthy kidneys and reduce their risk of developing diabetic kidney disease. By controlling blood sugar levels, monitoring blood pressure, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, taking medications as prescribed, quitting smoking, getting regular kidney function tests, and managing stress, people with diabetes can help to maintain healthy kidneys and prevent complications.
FAQs
- How often should people with diabetes get kidney function tests?
- People with diabetes should get kidney function tests at least once a
