The kidneys are some of the most important organs in the body, unfortunately they are also among those most easily damaged by diabetes. The Mayo Clinic estimates that up to 40% of people with diabetes will eventually experience chronic diabetic kidney disease, also called diabetic nephropathy.
The strong relationship between diabetes and kidney disease is worrisome because of the severe health consequences caused by diabetic nephropathy. Healthy kidneys play a vital role in regulating water levels in the body and filtering toxins, which are released from the body in urine. When the kidneys can no longer perform their job properly, harmful wastes build up in the body and create complications like nerve damage and anemia. This can eventually cause end-stage kidney disease in people with diabetes, and kidney failure may occur. This painful condition can require regular dialysis and or a kidney transplant, both of which are serious medical procedures.
Diabetes and Kidney Failure: Early Diagnosis Is Key
For many people with diabetes and kidney disease, the symptoms aren't always noticeable at first. Years of damage can occur before it's clear there's a problem, which is why early diagnosis is an important part of managing diabetes and kidney disease.
If you have diabetes, your physician should be checking your kidney function every year at your annual physical. One of the simplest ways to evaluate the kidneys is to test your urine for a protein called microalbumin. If microalbumin shows up in your urine, that means you're beginning to experience kidney problems and that preventative measures should be taken.
By diagnosing kidney issues early, you and your physician have the best possible chance to minimize complications. This may entail lifestyle changes or taking medication to reduce the pressure on your kidneys.
Diabetes and Kidney Failure: Prevention Tips
Even if you don't show any signs of kidney disease, it's important to be proactive about prevention. Staying ahead of problems means you may never develop them, and gives you the best possible chance of staying healthy longer.
Here are some simple ways to reduce your chance of experiencing kidney problems:
-
Stabilize Your Blood Sugar:
High blood sugars put more stress on the kidneys, increasing the connection between diabetes and kidney failure. By monitoring your blood sugar closely and avoiding high glucose levels, you can minimize the effect diabetes has on your body.
-
Watch Your Blood Pressure:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), any blood pressure higher than 130/80 increases the risk of kidney damage. If you have high blood pressure, your physician may recommend that you take medication to lower it and decrease the chance of complications.
-
Exercise and Improve Your Diet:
More than anything else, exercise and a good diabetic diet help protect the body from the effects of diabetes and kidney disease. By working with your physician to create a good exercise and meal plan, you can manage your diabetes in such a way that your chances of experiencing kidney failure are minimized.
-
Stop Smoking:
There are many reasons not to smoke when you have diabetes, and kidney failure is an important one. Smoking raises blood sugar, reduces your body's ability to use insulin, and reduces vital blood flow to the kidneys. This all puts needless stress on kidneys and increases the risk of future problems.
-
Use Anti-Inflammatories Carefully:
The Mayo Clinic recommends that people with diabetes use anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen and naproxen, carefully. Regular use can cause kidney damage, especially in diabetics.
By being proactive about your care, you can minimize your chances of suffering from diabetic kidney disease. The lifestyle changes involved in reducing your risk of kidney disease can also help make you healthier in general, decreasing your chance of experiencing other complications related to diabetes. For more information on how to improve your health, make an appointment to speak with your physician or another health care professional.