Dealing with Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic Kidney Disease

The onset of diabetic kidney disease usually goes unnoticed, mainly because the warning signs can only be detected through urinalysis and blood testing as well. The kidneys, like most every other internal organ, function constantly in order to achieve homeostasis. The kidneys act as one unit, filtering out the blood from internal waste and excess water while recycling it back through the body; the excess waste and water are dispelled through the sweat glands and the urinary tract. For diabetics, consistently high glucose levels turn unburnable sugars into internal waste matter that the kidneys are unable to process, much like a clogged filter. When this occurs, the waste becomes toxic and attacks the nephrons located inside the kidneys.

Diabetic Kidney Disease Test

Nephrons are micro units that remove waste matter from the kidneys, and even though each kidney contains about a million nephrons, these units are unable to regenerate after suffering damage. Over time, diabetics can develop nephropathy without even knowing it, which is why it’s important to seek help from a medical specialist who can facilitate the necessary testing. These outpatient procedures include an A1C hemoglobin, urinalysis, monitoring blood pressure, and an additional blood test for detecting any abnormalities in kidney function. This type of testing should be performed on a quarterly basis to help combat or try to prevent nephropathy from taking place. Along with a healthy diet, prescription medications can also help sustain normal renal activity.

Avoiding Diabetic Kidney Disease

To help avoid diabetic kidney disease, a healthy diet, in this case, includes monitoring protein and salt intake, and avoiding processed sugars, which can spike blood glucose levels is critical. Many endocrinologists recommend small doses of protein found in meats and larger doses that are found certain fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Processed foods contain unhealthy additives that make the kidneys work even harder to dispel potential toxins.

Different blood pressure medications can assist in fighting diabetic kidney disease, such as ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) inhibitors, and ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers). These types of medications can help protect the kidneys and maintain healthier renal function.

In the unfortunate event of total kidney failure, the use of a dialysis machine is necessary. The machine acts as an external filter for the blood, and the dialysis process will vary in duration and frequency. Those who suffer from total kidney failure can also qualify for a kidney transplant, yet this depends upon circumstance and availability. Diabetic kidney disease is a serious medical condition and proper medical care is critical.

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