Home > Kidney Disease and Diabetes
Kidney Disease and Diabetes
Kidney Disease, also known as nephropathy, is a very serious condition that can be
caused by Diabetes. Approximately 30 percent of patients with Type 1 Diabetes and
40 percent of patients with Type 2 will develop kidney disease. It is very important
to learn about what you can do to prevent this serious condition and help your
kidneys stay healthy and working properly.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Kidneys?
Diabetes is a disease that damages the blood vessels in the body. Capillaries are
small blood vessels located in the kidneys which are responsible for filtering out the
waste products that the body produces when digesting the protein we eat. Diabetes
overworks the filters and eventually they stop working properly. Protein starts
getting lost in the urine, a condition called microalbuminuria. After many years, the
kidneys are unable to filter the waste products, and these start accumulating in the
blood. Eventually, the kidneys fail completely, a very dangerous condition known as
ESRD, or end stage renal disease.
Kidney Disease Symptoms
Kidney Disease does not usually produce noticeable symptoms in the beginning
stages. Fluid Build up is an early sign, followed by ankle swelling and weight gain.
You might also notice that you have to go to the bathroom more often at night. High
blood pressure, nausea, poor appetite, an increased excretion of albumin (protein) in
the urine, high levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in the blood might also be
symptoms of kidney disease
Stay in touch with your doctor and have your blood sugar, blood pressure and urine
checked at least once a year to keep an eye out for any signs of nephropathy.
Remember that early diagnosis of kidney disease is vital to help prevent further
damage that leads to end stage renal disease.
Prevent Kidney Disease
Kidney Disease prevention begins by control of your blood sugar and blood pressure
levels. It has been proven that those who keep their blood and sugar levels under
strict control have reduced their risk of kidney disease and in some cases even
reversed microalbuminuria. A healthy diet, regular exercise and avoiding smoking
and alcohol are also important steps to prevent diabetic kidney disease.
Kidney Disease Treatment
Ace Inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme) are blood pressure drugs that the
doctor might recommend to also aid and slow the progress of kidney disease. A low
protein diet might also be recommended by the doctor. This will help reduce the
loss of protein in the urine and increase the protein levels in the blood.
When end stage kidney failure occurs, the kidneys can no longer filter the blood at
all, and kidney transplantation or dialysis is needed. Dialysis works like an artificial
kidney, filtering the blood for your kidneys that don’t work anymore. There are two
types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
In hemodialysis, the blood is extracted from the body and sent to an artificial kidney
which filters the blood and then returns it to the body. The process must be done
two to three days per week.
In peritoneal dialysis, the peritoneum, the lining inside the abdomen is used as the
filter. A cleansing fluid called dialysate is put in the abdomen and the blood passes
through the peritoneum into the dialysate. The fluid and waste products are then
drained off.
Talk to your nephrologist to discuss which dialysis option is best for you.
Always remember that control of your diabetes is vital to prevent kidney disease.
You can do a lot to help your kidneys stay healthy for a very long time. Always
consult with your doctor about changes in your diet or exercise plan, and keep your
blood and sugar levels on your target range.
No baccarat system is able to help you in winning baccarat, only bankroll strategy.

Search this site!
Find out if you qualify for free diabetes supplies
Subscribe to our Free Newsletter!
Our free monthly newsletter will provide you with updated diabetes related
information that will inform you of the latest developments in the health industry,
plus more hints and tips on living healthier, happier and longer, winning the battle
over diabetes. Subscribe today!
© 2005
ChirinoWeb, All rights reserved.
The content in this website is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and it
is in no way meant to diagnose any illness or to replace the recommendations and
directions given by a health care professional.
Site Map Disclaimer Privacy Policy Links Forum Boards
Natural Diabetes Breakthrough