Kidney Diseases (Diabetic Nephropathy)

One major kidney-related problem of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is diabetic nephropathy. It happens when regularly high blood sugar levels destroy kidney blood vessels, therefore compromising their capacity to effectively filter waste from the circulation. If not well controlled, this damage can cause chronic renal disease and finally kidney failure over time.
Often in early stages, diabetic nephropathy shows no symptoms at all. Signs of the disease could include swelling in the feet and ankles, higher blood pressure, frequent urination, tiredness, and nausea as it advances. For those with diabetes, a regular kidney function test is absolutely essential to early issue detection.
Among the main risk factors are excessive blood pressure, poorly regulated blood sugar, smoking, and kidney disease running in a family. Management is mostly concerned with keeping close control over blood pressure and glucose levels. Essential modifications in lifestyle include a nutritious diet low in sodium and protein, consistent exercise, and smoking cessation. Often administered to preserve renal function are medications that include ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment can slow down the development of diabetic nephropathy, therefore enabling patients to preserve years of better health and quality of life.