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Chances of a diabetic person developing a kidney disease are very
high (more than 60%). If left untreated, this could lead to more
kidney damage or kidney failure.
One can have serious kidney damage without being aware of it. There
are usually no specific symptoms of kidney disease until the damage
is severe. However, if you have diabetes, you should be tested once
a year to see if diabetes has affected your kidneys. Your doctor
can arrange a urine test for protein (a random urine test for "albumin
to creatinine ratio"), and a blood test to check how well your kidneys
are functioning (the "serum creatinine").
Diabetes often causes damage to the small blood vessels of the
body. This damage also impacts the retina of the eye and results
in loss of vision and slowly this damage is extended to the delicate
blood vessels in the filters of the kidneys. Diabetes may also damage
the nerves in the body including the bladder; it may be difficult
to pass urine with an infected bladder. The pressure from urine
building up in the bladder can also cause kidney damage.
Kidney infection is another major cause of kidney failure. Diabetic
patients show high levels of sugar in their urine causing the growth
of bacteria. People with diabetes must take special care to avoid
infections and have them treated immediately.
Symptoms:
Early symptoms of kidney disease show high levels of protein in
the urine. Eventually excess loss of protein from the blood causes
the water from the blood to move into the body tissues causing swelling
(edema). Itchiness, breathlessness and tiredness may also occur
before the kidney failure occurs.
Kidney failure:
When the kidneys are about to fail, you might experience tiredness,
nausea and vomiting. You could also retain salt and water, which
could cause swelling of your feet and hands, and shortness of breath.
You may also find that you need less insulin than usual. When the
kidneys fail, wastes and fluids will accumulate in your body and
you will need dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant. You may
be referred to a nephrologist (a kidney specialist) if your doctor
thinks the damage to your kidneys is severe.
What can you do to prevent kidney damage?
There are special treatments (including proper food choices and
medications) which may help to delay kidney failure. It is necessary
to start these treatments as soon as your doctor notices any of
the early signs or risk factors.
There are many things you can do to help prevent kidney damage:
- Have your urine, blood and blood pressure checked regularly by
your doctor
- Maintain good control of your blood sugar
- Control high blood pressure (less than 130/80* on most readings)
- Stop smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Make the proper food choices
- Avoid excess alcohol
- See your doctor if you think you have a bladder infection
- Get enough sleep
If you are suffering from kidney failure and would like more information
on alternative medicine, please visit http://www.kundankidneycare.com
Article Source: EzineArticles.com:
Diabetes Impacts Kidneys
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