Apply, Diabetic Patients 7 Simple Method to Protect Kidney Disease!

If you are a diabetic patient, every time you visit a nephrologist for a regular checkup, he would suggest you tip to look after the kidneys. Diabetic kidney disease can be life-threatening, and often it manifests as end-stage renal disease. Diabetic patients often succumbed to complete renal failure more than other people. It is because of the fact that diabetes is the second leading cause of impaired kidney function.

The kidneys filter the blood from the vessels and remove the impurities, including fluids to produce urine out of it. They need healthy blood capillaries to accomplish this task. But when you have diabetes, these blood capillaries become weak because of too much blood sugar. Hence, managing after your kidneys and their function is integral to keeping the body working properly since other organs depend on the kidneys for their working.

What factors can increase the risk of developing kidney disease if you have diabetes?

Predominantly, high blood pressure and blood sugar levels hamper kidney function, but other factors that may likely increase the risk of kidney disease (if you are a diabetic patient) include:

• Drinking alcohol
• Smoking
• Eating high sodium food items
• Heart disease
• Not exercising on a regular basis
• Stress
• Being overweight
• Having a family medical history of kidney failure

Thankfully, we have certain measures through which one can manage chronic kidney disease and stay healthy during diabetes. It is believed that if diabetes is not controlled, likely you will develop CKD within 4 to 5 years of diagnosis, especially type 2 diabetes.

1. Work on your blood sugar goals : – First thing first; always ensure you reach blood sugar goals as defined by your doctor. Measure your HbA1c levels, which is a blood test that measures blood sugar levels over three months. It should be under 7% for patients. Once you know your goal, you can always cut down foods or drinks that may raise blood sugar levels. Also, give a strict routine to exercising and take proper medications.
2. Manage your blood pressure levels : – Blood sugar means the flow of the blood against the vessels is high. High blood pressure can be dangerous as it stiffens the blood vessels and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure. The blood pressure goal for a diabetic person should be under 120/80 mm Hg. However, certain conditions to be taken care of before deciding on the blood pressure goals. To reach your blood pressure goals, cut down salt or sodium from your diet.
3. Consult a dietician : – A diabetic person should consult a dietician to know the full sphere of things they can consume or avoid including drinks. The diet should not be rich in sugar, fat, and carbs, but low in salt and sodium. Include fruits that are not sugary and make sure to avoid chicken and fish as they may pressurize your kidneys’ function. Consulting a dietitian would help maintain your healthy weight, so as to minimize the burden on your organs.
4. Stop smoking : – Smoking causes a lot of problems in healthy and unhealthy persons in which kidney failure, liver failure, and heart disease are the most common. The toxins that get produced in the body when you smoke raises the blood pressure swiftly, and for the kidneys also, it is hard to eliminate such toxins. The kidneys get loaded, which causes sudden kidney failure, also called acute kidney failure. To release this habit, you can join some rehab centers or stop-smoking programs.
5. Stop alcohol consumption :- Just like the cigar is not good for your physical health, liquor consumption is also unhealthy. Alcohol impacts your heart health and kidney function at the same time. Moderate consumption is only allowed if you are healthy, but not to those who are already facing some chronic illness.
6. Get physical :- A regular exercise routine is important for diabetic patients. If you are planning to bring down your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, exercise is one of the best measures to opt for. To due exercising, you can do running, cycling, swimming, walking, skiing, dancing, jogging, etc. Be active for about 30 minutes of the day and see differences in your mental and physical stamina.
7. Take medications regularly : – A diabetic patient should be particular of the medications prescribed by the doctor. Even if your blood sugar is in a healthy range, you should take medications. Since diabetes is not curable, taking medications is the only thing that you can do to reduce the risk of complications levied by alleviated blood sugar. Therefore, proper medications and control are necessary.

How to check if your kidney is already damaged or not?

Kidney disease in patients with diabetes may show up some signs and symptoms in the later stages. Often the signs are nonspecific though, looking after urinary changes will help. Go for a regular checkup, which includes urine and blood measurement tests. If your body is exhibiting too much protein, it symbolizes your kidney’s filters are not working well.

Symptoms may include:

1. blood in your urine
2. an increased urge to urinate
3. foamy and smelly urine
4. weight loss
5. poor appetite
6. swollen ankles, feet, or hands
7. shortness of breath
8. chest pain
9. tiredness
10. dizziness
11. difficulty sleeping
12. itchy skin