Diabetic nephropathy, popularly known as diabetic kidney disease, is the medical conditions in the kidney that results in malfunctioning of the kidneys, owing to diabetic condition. Researchers have s..
Diabetic nephropathy, popularly known as diabetic kidney disease, is the medical conditions in the kidney that results in malfunctioning of the kidneys, owing to diabetic condition. Researchers have shown that around 30 percent of those with diabetes are susceptible to diabetic kidney disease. This condition ultimately results in failure of the kidney. In this disease, the glomeruli or the filters of the kidneys get damaged. Therefore, the kidneys would become incapable of filtering out the wastes from your blood. As a result, your urine will have high levels of proteins called Albumins. Healthy kidneys flush out tiny quantities of albumin in the urine. Therefore, diagnosis of higher levels of albumin is the sign that diabetic kidney disease exists. Coupled with other conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other diseases of the blood and heart, the damages incurred to the kidney are more and cause infections in the bladder and nerve damages. Depending on how much albumin is in the urine, there are two types of diabetic kidney disease: Microalbuminuria – The albumin level in urine is 30-300 mg per day Macroalbuminuria - The albumin level in urine is more than 300 mg per day
In early stages of diabetic kidney disease, it is unlikely to have symptoms. But as the condition worsens, symptoms begin to appear.
Other symptoms that can occur with diabetic kidney disease include:
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Muscle cramps
- Dry and itchy skin
- Puffiness around eyes
- Increased frequency of passing urine
- Anemia and pale skin
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Difficulty in clear thinking
The causes of diabetic kidney disease are:
- Diabetes
- Poor maintenance of blood glucose levels
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Long duration diabetes, especially in men
- Smoking
- Cardiovascular diseases
The risk factors for diabetic kidney disease are:
- High glucose level in blood
- High albumin level in urine
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Obesity
To prevent diabetic kidney disease you have to:
- Maintain the glucose in your blood, within the target specified
- Have a healthy heart
- Healthy blood circulation system by eating fibre rich food
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
- Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body weight
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Our superspecialist doctors provide the highest quality of care through a team-based, doctor-led model. Trained at some of the world's most renowned i..... Continue Reading
