The diabetic kidney disease is one of the common complications arising due to the effect of high blood sugar levels for a long time that causes damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys which filter the wastes and fluids in the body. This disease increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Early detection, good diabetes treatment, healthy habits and regular health checkups can be helpful in supporting the kidney health and slowing down the process of the disease.
It is a positive aspect of the development of diabetic kidney disease that this disease progresses gradually, making it possible for people to detect the warning signs during the regular health checkup sessions. Knowledge about diabetes and kidney diseases, risk factors and adoption of healthy habits can be beneficial in protecting the kidney health. This blog post aims at explaining diabetic kidney disease, its development, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and Ayurvedic approach to well-being.
What Is Diabetic Kidney Disease?
Diabetic kidney disease refers to the gradual damage that diabetes inflicts on the filtering mechanism of the kidneys. Each of the kidneys has many small blood vessels called glomeruli. The glomeruli function naturally as filters and eliminate waste products and excessive fluids from the blood while retaining proteins and nutrients within the body.
If one has persistently high blood sugar, then it causes damage to the filters. As a consequence, the filtration capability of the kidneys gets impaired, and this causes the leakage of proteins in the urine and the inability to clear out the wastes from the body.
Everyone suffering from diabetes does not develop diabetic kidney disease, but there are certain factors that increase the risk of developing the disease.
How Do Healthy Kidneys Work?
Before understanding how kidney disease develops, it helps to know how healthy kidneys function.
Healthy kidneys help with:
- Waste material removal from the blood
- Excess water elimination from the body by means of urination
- Maintaining fluid balance in the body
- Maintaining balance in mineral levels such as sodium and potassium
- Blood pressure regulation
- Formation of hormones for red blood cells and bones
Every day, healthy kidneys filter about 180 litres of blood.
How Does Diabetic Kidney Disease Develop?
The development of diabetic kidney disease takes place over many years and not suddenly.
Damage Caused by High Levels of Blood Sugar to Kidney Filters
High levels of blood sugar lead to the damage of tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. At first, the kidneys work hard, but with time, the constant strain causes the kidneys to lose their ability to filter effectively.
Protein Leaks from Kidneys into Urine
With continued damage to the kidneys, the kidneys begin to leak small amounts of protein, including albumin. The leakage of albumin into the urine is known as albuminuria and is an early sign of diabetic kidney disease.
Kidney Function Becomes Inefficient
Continuous kidney damage leads to inefficiency in the ability of kidneys to filter and maintain fluid balance. There may be accumulation of waste products in the body due to inefficient kidney function.
Advanced Stage of Kidney Damage
If not controlled early enough, the kidney damage may develop into chronic kidney disease, and in the most serious cases, it leads to kidney failure.
What Increases the Risk of Diabetic Kidney Disease?
There are several factors that could increase the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy.
Long-term Diabetes
The longer a person lives with diabetes, the greater the possibility of having kidney damage, especially when there are consistently high glucose levels.
High Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure raises the stress level for your kidneys and can speed up the process of damaging them.
Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Levels
Persistent high blood sugar levels are one of the most common causes of kidney disease.
Smoking
Smoking has an effect on the blood flow and may elevate the risk of having diabetes-related kidney disease.
Obesity
Excess body weight may be the cause of insulin resistance and kidney stress.
Family History
Some individuals may have a higher genetic risk of developing kidney disease.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
Poor eating habits, physical inactivity, chronic stress, and inadequate sleep may also increase the risk over time.
Diabetic Kidney Disease Symptoms
A difficulty with diabetic kidney disease symptoms is that most patients have no symptoms at all in the early stages.
As the kidney functions deteriorate, some possible symptoms may include:
- Swelling in feet, ankles, or hands
- Swelling around the eyes
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Feeling tired
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Trouble concentrating
- High blood pressure
- Foamy urine from the presence of protein
Some of the symptoms mentioned above are not exclusive to diabetic nephropathy and can be seen in other illnesses as well.
How Is Diabetic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
It is recommended that patients with diabetes undertake regular kidney screening, even when they are feeling well.
The following are some of the common tests:
Urinalysis (Urine Albumin Test)
This is used to check whether there are traces of protein in the urine.
Blood Test
This is a test that involves checking the level of creatinine in the blood, and also estimating the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Since high blood pressure often worsens kidney disease, regular monitoring is an important part of diabetes care.
Early diagnosis allows timely management before significant kidney damage develops.
Diabetic Kidney Disease Treatment
Not all patients suffering from diabetic kidney disease can be treated using the same methods. It will depend on the stage of the disease as well as on their general condition.
This includes:
- Maintaining proper blood sugar levels
- Maintaining proper blood pressure
- Using medicines as prescribed by a doctor
- Adhering to a special dietary regimen
- Reducing extra amounts of salt intake if necessary
- Having a normal body weight
- Physical exercises
- Not smoking
- Monitoring kidney function regularly
Sticking to the treatment programme suggested by a healthcare specialist may promote kidney health and prevent additional risks.
Can Ayurveda Support Overall Kidney Health?
According to Ayurveda, diabetes is called Madhumeha, which is a disorder associated with metabolic imbalances. The principles of Ayurveda emphasise the importance of creating balance through proper nutrition, healthy living, daily routine, and overall well-being.
Among the possible ways of supporting health, there are the following:
Proper Nutrition
Nutrition consisting of fresh products may positively affect overall health.
Physical Activities
Performing physical activities including walking and yoga may help in balancing metabolism and general well-being.
Stress Management
Performing meditation and breath exercises may help to manage stress, which may affect overall well-being.
Sleep
Regular sleep is needed for the proper functioning of the organism.
Patients with kidney damage caused by diabetes must keep receiving medical treatment from professional healthcare providers.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Diabetes and Kidney Health
Healthy lifestyle choices are vital when managing diabetes and kidney diseases.
Diet Choices
- Have a balanced diet
- Eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein food as recommended by your doctor.
- Cut down on foods that have high sugar content or are processed.
- Eat food according to your doctor’s advice.
Exercise
Perform some form of exercise for about half an hour per day most days of the week after consulting with your health care practitioner.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Checking your blood glucose level can assist with management of diabetes.
Monitoring Blood Pressure
Checking your blood pressure can help in identifying any issues.
Stay Hydrated
Drink enough water unless your healthcare professional recommends fluid restriction.
Avoid Smoking
Stopping smoking benefits both kidney and heart health.
When Should You Consult a Healthcare Professional?
Medical consultation is recommended in case you have diabetes and experience:
- Swelling in the legs, feet, or face
- Foamy urine
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Urination changes
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea
- Weakness
Diabetics need regular kidney test even when no symptoms are present due to the silent development of diabetic kidney disease at its early stages.
Conclusion
Diabetic kidney disease is gradual and results due to damage to the kidney’s filtering system due to high glucose levels. As the condition may have no symptoms in its early stages, regular health checks, maintenance of proper blood glucose levels, a healthy diet, exercise, and controlled blood pressure is essential.
In addition to modern medicine, several individuals seek the benefits of Ayurveda as well for overall wellness. At Jeena Sikho HiiMS, experienced Ayurveda practitioners offer personal consultations by identifying a person’s body constitution, or Prakriti, along with his or her living habits and health issues. Jeena Sikho HiiMS is available for consultation with the help of the VOPD consultation service. Contact No.: +9182704-82704; Email: care@jeenasikho.com.
FAQs
- What is diabetic kidney disease?
Diabetic kidney disease refers to an effect of diabetes where high blood sugar levels in the long run affect the filters in the kidneys and hinder their functioning to eliminate waste from the body. - Who is more likely to have diabetic nephropathy?
The individuals that are likely to develop diabetic nephropathy include those who have been suffering from diabetes for a long period of time, high blood pressure, uncontrolled blood sugar levels, obesity, smokers, or have a family history of kidney disease.
Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease
There are several ways of treating diabetic kidney disease, which include monitoring blood glucose levels, blood pressure, lifestyle modifications, medication, and the health of kidneys.
- Is diabetic kidney disease preventable?
Although diabetic kidney disease may be sometimes difficult to prevent, keeping the blood sugar under control, blood pressure management, proper diet, physical activity and regular check-ups may reduce the risk of developing the disease. - Can Ayurveda assist patients with diabetes and kidney disease?
Ayurvedic treatment helps patients by focusing on the overall wellness of the patient through personalised diet, lifestyle and day-to-day routine.
