A Must Know: DIABETIC CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE


 

Chronic kidney disease develops at a slow pace with few symptoms. Many people realize they have diabetic chronic kidney disease in its advanced stages.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, go for a regular checkup for your kidneys. Regular checkups and early treatment can help prevent additional health problems.

The best way to prevent or delay diabetic chronic kidney disease is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adequately managing your diabetes and high blood pressure.

How Diabetes Causes Kidney Disease

Each kidney contains nephrons (tiny filters). With time, the nephrons and the blood vessels in the kidneys get damaged by the high blood sugar from diabetes, so they do not perform well the way they should. Most diabetic people also develop high blood pressure, which damages kidneys.

Many people realize they have diabetic chronic kidney disease in its advanced stages. You will not know you have this disease unless you go for regular checkups.

Symptoms

In the early stages of diabetic chronic kidney disease, you may not notice any signs or symptoms. At a later time, you may observe the following signs and symptoms:

  • Increased blood pressure control
  • Protein in the urine
  • Swelling of feet, ankles, hands, or eyes
  • Increased urge to urinate
  • Reduced need for insulin
  • Confusion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Persistent itching
  • Fatigue

Risk factors

If you have diabetes, the following factors may increase your risk of diabetic chronic kidney disease include:

  • Uncontrolled high blood sugar
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Uncontrolled smoking
  • High blood cholesterol

  • Obesity
  • If there is diabetes or kidney disease in your bloodline

When to see a doctor

Go for a medical visit if you have any signs or symptoms of kidney disease. If you have diabetes, visit your doctor as recommended for tests that measure kidney function.

Prevention

To reduce your risk of developing diabetic chronic kidney disease, do the following:

Go for regular checkups for diabetes management

Go for annual checkups or do frequent checkups as recommended by your doctor to monitor how well you are managing your diabetes and to screen for diabetic chronic kidney disease and other severe complications.

Treat your diabetes

With effective treatment of diabetes, you may prevent or delay diabetic chronic kidney disease.

Manage high blood pressure or other medical conditions

Talk to your doctor about how to control high blood pressure or other conditions that increase your risk of kidney disease.

Follow instructions from your doctor concerning over-the-counter medications

Follow instructions and do not do self-treatment. For people with diabetic chronic kidney disease, taking pain relievers such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin IB), can lead to kidney damage. Include foods that regulate blood sugar in your diet.

Maintain a healthy weight

If your weight is healthy, maintain it by being physically active most days of the week. If you need to have a healthy weight, ask your doctor about weight-loss strategies, such as increasing daily physical activity and consuming fewer calories.

Don't smoke 

Smoking damages kidneys and can make existing kidney damage worse. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about how you can quit smoking.

Summary

Chronic kidney disease develops at a slow pace with few symptoms. Many people realize they have diabetic chronic kidney disease in its advanced stages. Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes or if you notice any of the above-listed signs and symptoms.

Going for regular checkups, treating your diabetes, managing high blood pressure, following instructions from your doctor concerning over-the-counter medications, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking may reduce your risk of developing diabetic chronic kidney disease.

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