Kidney damage is one of the major complications that occur in diabetes. That is why it is important to see a doctor when diabetes and kidney infection symptoms occur. A diabetes kidney infection is most likely due to excess protein in the urine caused by excess blood sugar. This happens because high blood sugar levels lessen the kidney’s ability to filter blood properly.
One major problem is that diabetes can cause nerve damage, and if the nerves around the bladder are damaged, a person may not even be aware that a kidney infection is occurring. This is why it is important to see your doctor routinely and have a urine test annually at the very least. A urinalysis for diabetes and kidney infection will show red or white blood cells in the urine and bacteria may also be present.
If you do happen to feel symptoms of a kidney infection, they will include back pain, fever, chills, and abdominal pain. You will probably feel the persistent urge to urinate and may feel a burning sensation when urinating as well. According to eHow.com, a person with a kidney infection and diabetes may also see pus or blood it their urine. If you suspect that you have a kidney infection, you should seek medical attention right away. This infection can cause permanent damage to your kidneys and is especially dangerous for diabetics.
Diabetes and Kidney Infection Treatment
In diabetes and kidney infection treatment, the patient is usually given prescription antibiotics. If your urinalysis shows a specific type of bacteria, the antibiotic will be given for that specific type. However, many times an empiric antibiotic is prescribed because it can kill off any type of bacteria present. At home a person should continue to remedy their condition with their prescription of oral antibiotics, but should also drink adamant amounts of water as well.
If the infection is severe enough hospitalization may be required. For example, persons with severe symptoms like nausea and vomiting are likely to be hospitalized in order to receive intravenous antibiotics or hydration. More aggressive management of symptoms may also be needed.
To help prevent diabetes and kidney infection symptoms it is advisable that a person drink plenty of water and cut back on foods that are high in protein and salt. Foods like this are likely to further the damage. Also diabetics must keep control of their blood sugar levels and monitor them as directed by their doctor.
