When people refer to the renal complications of diabetes, they are talking about kidney issues associated with the disease. The reason why the kidneys are so vulnerable in patients with diabetes is because when blood sugar levels reach high levels, the kidneys can become overworked. This causes them to malfunction or fail altogether. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes can be slowed with treatment when it is discovered soon enough. A late stage kidney disease diagnosis usually results in kidney failure.
There are millions of tiny blood vessels that live inside the kidneys. They act as filters for waste. When kidneys do not function properly, they lose their ability to do their job. When this happens, kidney disease is the result. It is important to know the symptoms of kidney failure in order to get it diagnosed properly and begin treatment. Knowing about the disease in its early stages can be difficult because people often do not show symptoms until almost all function has failed. Fluid buildup is earliest symptom of kidney disease. Loss of sleep, poor appetite, upset stomach, difficulty concentrating and weakness are other signs to be aware of.
Prevention and Treatment for Renal Complications of Diabetes
Diabetics are more susceptible to this condition, but not all patients with diabetes experience kidney disease in their lifetime. There are ways that a diabetic person can prevent the onset of kidney disease. First of all, keeping blood sugar levels at a healthy range is key to preventing the development of kidney disease. If a person monitors their blood sugar and keeps it in stable shape, the risk of developing kidney disease is much less. Blood pressure is another important aspect to consider when dealing with kidney disease. If kidney disease is already present, even a slight rise in blood pressure can worsen the illness. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco, getting regular physical activity, weight loss and eating less salt are all ways that blood pressure can be kept in check.
Doctors also prescribe medications to assist with the renal complications of diabetes. Some medicines are given to lower blood pressure. ACE inhibitors are another medication that works to lower blood pressure, and this is the preferred method of doctors when treating diabetic patients. The ACE inhibitors have been shown to slow kidney disease while lowering blood pressure levels.
A doctor may also put a person with kidney disease on a low-protein diet because the kidneys work harder when a person consumes protein. However, a patient should never start this kind of diet without consulting a medical professional first.
If kidneys experience failure, a patient will have to be put on dialysis or get a kidney transplant. During dialysis, the kidney goes through a cleansing procedure. If transplantation happens, the patient must wait for a matching donor that is currently living or that has recently died.
