KOMPAS.com – Diabetic nephropathy is a serious kidney-related complication of disease type 1 diabetes nor type 2 diabetes.
This condition is also often referred to as diabetic kidney disease.
About 25 percent of people with diabetes report developing kidney disease eventually.
Also read: 4 Causes of Kidney Disease to Watch Out for
Diabetic nephropathy itself affects the kidneys’ ability to do their usual job, namely removing waste products and extra fluids from the body.
The best way to prevent or delay diabetic nephropathy is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and treat diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension).
Over the years, this condition can slowly destroy the kidney’s delicate filtering system.
Early treatment can prevent or slow the progression of the disease and reduce the chance of complications.
This is important because kidney disease can develop into kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease.
Kidney failure is a life-threatening condition.
At this stage, the only treatment options for the sufferer are dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Also read: 5 Types of Kidney Disease and Their Causes
Launch Mayo Clinic, in the early stages of diabetic nephropathy, the sufferer may not see any signs or symptoms.
Meanwhile, at a later stage, the signs and symptoms that appear can include:
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
- Protein in urine
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, hands, or eyes
- Increased need to urinate
- Reducing the need for insulin or diabetes drugs
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Hard to breathe
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent itching
- Fatigue
So, when to see a doctor?
It’s best to make an appointment with your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of kidney disease.
If you have diabetes, see your doctor every year for urine tests that detect protein and tests to check creatinine levels in your blood. This test can help determine how well your kidneys are functioning.
Also read: What is the Normal Blood Sugar Level in the Body?
Tips for keeping your kidneys healthy
Launch Health Line, If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, there are steps you can take to keep your kidneys healthy and reduce your risk of diabetic nephropathy.
Follow these suggestions:
- Keep blood sugar levels within the target range
- Manage blood pressure and get treatment for high blood pressure
- If you smoke, quit. Work with your doctor if you need help finding and sticking to a smoking cessation plan
- Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
- Maintain a healthy diet that is low in sodium. Focus on eating fresh or frozen produce, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of processed foods that can be high in salt and empty calories
- Make exercise a part of your routine. Start slowly and be sure to work with your doctor to determine the best exercise program for you. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower blood pressure
The development of diabetes depends on many factors.
Following a treatment plan and making recommended lifestyle changes can slow the progression of the disease and keep the kidneys healthy for longer.
Also read: 10 Foods That Are Good for Kidney Health
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