Do you realize that nearly 40% of diabetes patients are in danger of developing silent kidney disease? It is a disease that progresses quietly, often without symptoms, until it has advanced far along its course. As a result, most people are unaware of what’s being done to their bodies. But the silver lining is that early detection and proper treatment can go a long way in reducing the risk. In this blog, we will address how diabetes and kidney disease are connected, why silent damage runs rife, and how you can protect your health.
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Diabetes and kidney disease – how are they connected?
Diabetes does not simply increase blood sugar. It slowly damages small blood vessels in the kidneys in people with high blood sugar. Because the kidneys filter waste and excess fluid, this damage prevents them from functioning properly. In addition, because this damage progresses so slowly and silently, it is referred to as “silent kidney disease” or, in medical terms, chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Besides that, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are common in diabetic patients, may also strain the kidneys. Due to that, the risks of kidney disease also rise further if diabetes is not properly controlled.
Why 40% of diabetes patients suffer from silent kidney damage
Studies have shown that about 4 out of every 10 diabetes patients stand a likelihood of developing kidney complications. The high percentage signifies the incidence of the complication. Further, uncontrolled blood sugar, weight, heredity, and age carry an extra risk.
What is more dangerous about this condition is that kidney disease will not typically cause pain or symptoms that can be noticed in the early stages. As a result, most patients discover it only after considerable damage has already been done.
Early warning signs of kidney disease among diabetic patients
Although kidney disease prefers to keep a low profile, there are subtle symptoms that do appear as the disease progresses. For example, swelling in the feet, ankles, or face can indicate water holding. Likewise, constant fatigue, forgetfulness, or frequent urination can be a warning as well.
Nevertheless, as those symptoms can be caused by other reasons as well, they are quite easy to overlook. That is why doctors strongly recommend regular examinations for every patient with diabetes, even if they appear to be in good health.
Professional opinion – why early screening is a lifesaver
Early screening is among the best methods of kidney guarding, diabetologists affirm. Regular checks, such as urine albumin (to detect protein loss) and eGFR (to check kidney function), can detect problems even before symptoms arise.
Besides, doctors recommend that each patient with diabetes have their kidneys screened annually. By doing this, patients can identify complications early, start treatment promptly, and prevent kidney failure.
How to decrease the risk of kidney disease if you have diabetes.
The good news is that some steps can lower the risk of kidney damage. First, controlled blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol are extremely important. Second, eating a healthy diet low in salt and processed foods, and high in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, supports kidney health.
Also, proper exercise, proper hydration, and proper rest increase overall wellness. Likewise, abstaining from smoking and limiting alcohol use, as both worsen kidney as well as heart problems, are essential. Moreover, experts also advise not taking painkillers inappropriately, as they can harm kidney function in the long term.
Treatment of diabetic kidney disease
If kidney disease is caught early, lifestyle changes and medicine can slow its progression. For instance, medications such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs are used to protect the kidneys and control blood pressure.
But if left to a later stage, patients may need dialysis or even a kidney transplant. Although treatments are effective, prevention and earlier care are far more beneficial and easier on the mind.
FAQs
What’s the Silent Kidney Disease Risk in Diabetes?
Diabetic nephropathy occurs without observable signs and is typically associated with CKD.
How common is kidney disease in diabetic patients?
About 40% of diabetic patients have kidney complications.
Can early screening prevent kidney damage?
Yes. Early screening detects kidney damage before symptoms appear, allowing appropriate intervention and reducing risks.
What tests should diabetic people have for the well-being of their kidneys?
People with diabetes have the Urine albumin test, blood creatinine, and eGFR as the major screening tests.
Can kidney damage be reversed in diabetes?
Diabetic damage to the kidneys can be improved with diet and medications, but advanced disease is usually permanent.
Conclusion
In summary, silent kidney disease afflicts nearly 40% of diabetic patients and is thus a most serious diabetes complication. Yet, the disease need not progress uncontrolled. With blood glucose control, a healthy lifestyle, and annual screening, patients can protect their kidneys and live healthier lives.
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