Books by Hussam Al-Shaqwiri
Saturday, April 15, 2023 05:00 AM
Diabetes is a chronic health condition in which your body cannot produce enough insulin or use it efficiently. This leads to an increase in blood sugar levels and leads to various health conditions, one of which is diabetic kidney disease, and a predominant microvascular complication that affects individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease, according to onlymyhealth.
Signs of diabetic kidney disease
Weakness and fatigue
Fatigue results from an anemic condition where there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues of the body. This may be caused by damaged kidneys that cannot produce enough of the hormone erythropoietin to stimulate the production of red blood cells.
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It is one of the first signs of protein in the urine, and the condition is called proteinuria. Damaged kidneys allow protein to leak into the urine as urine protein levels are greater than 3.5 grams per day. Normally, levels should be less than 150 mg of protein in the urine per day, more than normal levels called proteinuria.
pedal edema
Abnormal swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs occurs as a result of the accumulation of excess fluid in the body as a result of the leakage of proteins such as albumin into the urine. These signs appear more prominent in the evening or after sitting or standing for a long time.
Hypertension
High blood pressure, or high blood pressure (BP), is one of the most common complications of diabetes. It may damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and reduce their ability to function properly.
increased urination
An increased need to urinate, especially at night, is one of the signs of diabetic kidney disease. Kidneys are responsible for removing waste and excess fluid from our bodies and damaged kidneys are unable to concentrate urine, which creates the urge to urinate more frequently.
They may also have peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, and diabetic retinopathy.
Diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease
Early intervention can delay or even prevent the progression of this disease. Reliable tests such as urine albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are used to diagnose and monitor the disease. In addition, it is necessary to improve blood sugar and control blood pressure to slow the progression of DKD.
How can it be managed
Diabetic nephropathy (or diabetic kidney disease) can be controlled by targeting cardiovascular health, glycemic index, and blood pressure. Here are some steps to reduce your risk of developing diabetic kidney disease:
Controlling blood sugar levels
Good blood sugar control significantly reduces the risk of proteinuria (abnormally high levels of protein in the urine). You should eat at regular intervals, avoid skipping meals, and choose foods that are low in calories.
Maintain a healthy weight
You must maintain a healthy weight and engage in physical activity to avoid weight gain.