Diabetic Kidney Disease: Chronic Kidney Disease in Diabetic Patient Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
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Diabetic Kidney Disease |
What is Diabetic Kidney
Disease?
Diabetic kidney disease, also known as diabetic nephropathy, is a type of
kidney disease caused by diabetes. Over time, diabetes can damage the tiny
blood vessels (glomeruli) in the kidneys, causing them to leak protein or
sometimes stop working completely. When this happens, toxins that should pass
through the kidneys and leave the body in urine build up in the bloodstream.
This is called kidney failure. Diabetic Kidney Disease is the leading cause of
kidney failure in the developed world.
Risk Factors for Diabetic Kidney Disease
There are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing Diabetic
Kidney Disease:
- Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes: Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes
significantly increases the risk. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater
their risk of kidney disease.
- Poor Blood Sugar Control: Higher levels of blood sugar/glucose over long
periods place added strain on the kidneys and blood vessels. Stricter control
of blood sugar levels can help reduce kidney disease risk.
- High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure from any cause
accelerates kidney damage caused by diabetes.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the hardening of arteries and is a significant
risk factor for developing kidney disease.
- Family History: Genetics can play a role, so those with a family history may
be at higher risk.
- Obesity: Extra weight and excess abdominal fat put added stress on the
kidneys. Losing excess pounds through diet and exercise can help manage disease
risk and progression.
Stages and Progression of Diabetic
Kidney Disease
Diabetic Kidney Disease develops gradually through five distinct stages as
kidney function declines:
Stage 1: Kidney damage (such as protein in the urine) with normal kidney
function.
Stage 2: Kidney damage with mildly decreased kidney function.
Stage 3: Moderately decreased kidney function.
Stage 4: Severely decreased kidney function.
Stage 5: Kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant.
Most people will not have any symptoms until stage 3 or later as the kidneys
compensate early on. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include swelling,
fatigue, vomiting, loss of appetite and sleep problems. Untreated, it often
leads to complete kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant.
Diagnosing and Monitoring Diabetic
Kidney Disease
Diabetic kidney disease is typically diagnosed through:
- Urine Tests: Microalbuminuria (small amounts of albumin or protein in urine)
and albuminuria (larger amounts of albumin) indicate early kidney damage.
- Blood Tests: Serum creatinine and eGFR levels indicate the filtration rate of
the kidneys. Higher creatinine and lower eGFR indicate worsening kidney
function.
- Kidney Biopsy: Rarely needed but can confirm kidney disease and its stage if
diagnosis is unclear.
Regular urine and blood tests are needed to monitor progression at every
doctor's visit. Proper management of blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol
and lifestyle factors can help slow disease progression in its early stages.
Treatment and Management of Diabetic
Kidney Disease
While there is no cure, treatment focuses on slowing disease progression
through:
- Strict Blood Sugar Control: With diet, oral meds or insulin therapy. Even
modest reductions lower disease risk.
- Blood Pressure Control: Maintaining BP under 130/80 mmHg through lifestyle
changes and medications.
- Cholesterol Management: For overall heart and kidney health.
- Dietary Changes: To manage fluids, sodium, potassium, protein and more
depending on kidney function stage.
- Medications: Such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs to lower blood pressure and
protect the kidneys.
- Dialysis: If kidneys fail, dialysis removes waste until a transplant is done.
- Kidney Transplant: The transplant can restore kidney function and greatly
improve quality of life. Life-long anti-rejection medications are required.
With optimized treatment, regular screening and lifestyle changes, the progression
of Diabetic Kidney Disease can often be slowed significantly - providing better
outcomes and quality of life. Early diagnosis and management under a healthcare
team is crucial.
Prognosis and Prevention of Diabetic Kidney Disease
The longer a person has diabetes and the poorer their control, the greater the
chances of kidney damage. But with diligent management:
- Symptoms can initially be prevented or delayed by 3-5 years.
- Once symptoms appear, overall survival on dialysis is 5-10 years on average
but varies greatly.
- A kidney transplant increases lifespan greatly versus long-term dialysis.
In Summary, lifestyle changes matter most for prevention through healthy
weight, exercise, not smoking, low sodium diet and stress management. Annual
screening allows early detection when treatment is most effective at slowing
progression. With a team approach, diabetic kidney disease can be monitored and
progression minimized through diligent self-care. Education empowers patients
to take an active role in their overall health.
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more insights on Diabetic
Kidney Disease
About Author
Alice Mutum, is a seasoned senior
content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise
gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content
development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge
digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an
editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data
accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report.
Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her
an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
(LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )
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